bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic immunosuppressive therapies for children with refractory atopic dermatitis: a large real-life cohort study
Authors: Ollech Ayelet , Lefferdink Rachel , Sheth Anjani , Blumstein Alli , Ramachandran Divya , Wagner Anette , Kenner-Bell Brandi , Mancini Anthony J , Chamlin Sarah , Kruse Lacey L , Rangel Stephanie M , Paller Amy S
Published: July 2023

Systemic immunosuppressants are used off-label to treat paediatric patients with moderate-to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) for whom topical treatment has failed. A large real-life cohort of paediatric patients with AD treated with systemic immunosuppressive treatments is described in order to guide dermatologists’ prescribing practices when faced with a moderate to-severe AD paediatric patient who has failed or has a contraindication to topical treatment, phototherapy, biological agents or Janus kinase inhibitors.
Targeted anti-interleukin-17 therapy for linear porokeratosis
Authors: Li Donglin , Technau-Hafsi Kristin , Giehl Katrin , Hoeger Peter H , Has Cristina
Published: July 2023

We report a case involving a 12-year-old female patient with linear porokeratosis (LP) associated with the PMVK pathogenic variant c.329C>A, p.R110Q (monoallelic in DNA from blood and biallelic in DNA from LP). Therapeutic measures, which included a statin/cholesterol cream, did not ameliorate the patient’s skin lesions. Our findings demonstrate a strong interleukin (IL)-17A-positive inflammatory infiltrate, upregulation of IL-17-responsive genes and a significant clinical response to anti-IL-17A therapy in LP.
Is social work a dangerous profession in China? An analysis of client violence towards social workers in central China
Authors: Qin Haibo , Zhao Yanyan , Li Yukun
Published: July 2023

Client violence is a persistent problem that seriously disturbs the physical and mental health of social workers worldwide; however, there is very limited discussion around this issue in China. This mixed-methods study included 602 social workers from three provinces in central China. The quantitative results (N = 602) revealed an overall level of violence of 48.17 per cent, with verbal violence being the most common. Significant differences were found in client violence by gender, work experience and field of work. The qualitative results (N = 20) revealed that client violence is closely related to the institution, culture and work patterns in the field. The results of this study can be combined with the Chinese social background and cultural context to discuss the reasons for lower levels of client violence in China compared to other countries.
Unsettling Discourses of Cross-Cultural Social Work Practice: Moving from Theoretical Debates to Interrogating and Transforming Praxis
Authors: Lee Eunjung
Published: July 2023

Cultural competence is one of the most debated concepts in social work. Whilst some scholars view it as a central tenet of social work theory, practice and education, others critique it as a new form of racism and even encourage its abandonment in social work. Amidst this fierce debate, this article attempts to answer the following question: How do we become entrapped by our own thinking when it comes to fostering or critiquing cultural competence and related constructs as well as understanding their embodiment in everyday social work practice? Using a post-structural lens, especially Foucault’s work on the ‘Order of Things’ in society, this article interrogates discourses and praxis in cross-cultural social work practice (CCSWP). After briefly examining the pervasive concepts of cultural competence, cultural humility and structural competence currently in circulation, this article elaborates upon debated discourses and interrogates the praxis underlying CCSWP. Instead of descending into semantic and theoretical debates and promoting one dogmatism above others, it is essential to assume a position of ongoing interrogation and critique of the pervasive discourses and praxis of cultural competence and alternative concepts. Doing so can promote reflective CCSWP and create the possibility for transformative change in social work practice.
A cholinergic contribution to postural control and freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yarnall Alison J , Morris Rosie
Published: July 2023

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Cholinergic system correlates of postural control changes in Parkinson's disease freezers’ by Roytman et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awad134).
RNA sequencing reveals the implication of the circRNA-associated ceRNA network in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Dai Suli , Zhang Cong , Wei Xiaojian , Wang Xiaohan , Wen Yang , Gao Feng , Zhao Lianmei , Shan Baoen
Published: July 2023

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have attracted increasing attention in cancer research. However, there are few studies about the high-throughput sequencing for clinical cohorts focussing on the expression characteristics and regulatory networks of circRNAs in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) until now. Present study aim to comprehensively recognize the functional and mechanistic patterns of circRNA through constructing a circRNA-related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in ESCC. Summarily, RNA high-throughput sequencing was adopted to assess the circRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in ESCC. Through bioinformatics methods, a circRNA–miRNA–mRNA coexpression network was constructed and hub genes was identified. Finally, cellular function experiments combined with bioinformatics analysis were conducted to verify the identified circRNA was involved in the progression of ESCC through ceRNA mechanism. In this study, we established a ceRNA regulatory network, including 5 circRNAs, 7 miRNAs and 197 target mRNAs, and 20 hub genes were screened and identified to exert important roles in the progression of ESCC. As a verification, hsa_circ_0002470 (circIFI6) was revealed to be highly expressed in ESCC and regulate the expression of hub genes by absorbing miR-497-5p and miR-195-5p through ceRNA mechanism. Our results further indicated that silencing of circIFI6 repressed proliferation and migration of ESCC cells, highlighting the tumour promotion effects of circIFI6 in ESCC. Collectively, our study contributes a new insight into the progression of ESCC from the perspective of the circRNA–miRNA–mRNA network, shedding light on the circRNA research in ESCC.
Dermoscopic patterns of dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria with acral involvement
Authors: Haripraba Ayanchetty , Karthikeyan Kaliaperumal , Kaleeswaran Vijayakumar
Published: July 2023

Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria is a rare inherited pigmentary disorder. It has a characteristic reticulate pigmentation involving the entire body, with acral sparing. The case is reported here for its unusual involvement of acral areas and reduced dermatoglyphs. Furthermore, dermoscopic patterns of this disease are reported very rarely in the literature. We observed various patterns in dermoscopy, namely monotonous, reticulate and diffuse with a ‘starry sky’ appearance.
Reticular melanonychia: a dermoscopic clue for terra firma-forme dermatosis on the nails
Authors: González-Ramírez Roger A , Welsh-Hernández Esperanza , Guerrero-Putz María D
Published: July 2023

Terra firma-forme dermatosis of the nail plate can mimic other causes of melanonychia such as nail infection and melanoma. We present the cases of two patients and describe the dermoscopic features of this entity, which is characterized by a band-like reticular pigmentation that we describe as ‘reticular melanonychia’.
NRF1 knockdown alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary inflammatory injury by upregulating DKK3 and inhibiting the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Kang Le , Wang Xinhua , Wang Jianfang , Guo Jing , Zhang Wang , Lei Ruirui
Published: July 2023

Excessive inflammatory injury is the main cause of the incidence of severe neonatal pneumonia (NP) and associated deaths. Although dickkopf-3 (DKK3) exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in numerous pathological processes, its role in NP is still unknown. In this study, human embryonic lung WI-38 and MRC-5 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammatory injury of NP in vitro. The expression of DKK3 was downregulated in LPS-stimulated WI-38 and MRC-5 cells. DKK3 overexpression decreased LPS-induced inhibition of cell viability, and reduced LPS-induced apoptosis of WI-38 and MRC-5 cells. DKK3 overexpression also reduced LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory factors such as ROS, IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α. Nuclear respiratory factors 1 (NRF1) knockdown was found to upregulate DKK3 and inactivate the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway in LPS-injured WI-38 and MRC-5 cells. NRF1 knockdown also suppressed LPS-induced inhibition on cell viability, repressed LPS-induced apoptosis, and inhibited the accumulation of ROS, IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α in LPS-injured WI-38 and MRC-5 cells. DKK3 knockdown or re-activation of the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway reversed the inhibitory effects of NRF1 knockdown on LPS-induced inflammatory injury. In conclusion, NRF1 knockdown can alleviate LPS-triggered inflammatory injury by regulating DKK3 and the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway.
Colonization With Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in a Hospital and Associated Communities in Guatemala: An Antibiotic Resistance in Communities and Hospitals (ARCH) Study
Authors: Ramay Brooke M , Castillo Carmen , Grajeda Laura , Santos Lucas F , Romero Juan Carlos , Lopez Maria Renee , Gomez Andrea , Caudell Mark , Smith Rachel M , Styczynski Ashley , Herzig Carolyn T A , Bollinger Susan , Ning Mariangeli Freitas , Horton Jennifer , Omulo Sylvia , Palmer Guy H , Cordon-Rosales Celia , Call Douglas R
Published: July 2023

Background

We estimated the prevalence of colonization with extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (ESCrE) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) from a hospital and associated communities in western Guatemala.

Methods

Randomly selected infants, children, and adults (<1, 1–17, and ≥18 years, respectively) were enrolled from the hospital (n = 641) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, March to September 2021. Community participants were enrolled using a 3-stage cluster design between November 2019 and March 2020 (phase 1, n = 381) and between July 2020 and May 2021 (phase 2, with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, n = 538). Stool samples were streaked onto selective chromogenic agar, and a Vitek 2 instrument was used to verify ESCrE or CRE classification. Prevalence estimates were weighted to account for sampling design.

Results

The prevalence of colonization with ESCrE and CRE was higher among hospital patients compared to community participants (ESCrE: 67% vs 46%, P < .01; CRE: 37% vs 1%, P < .01). Hospital ESCrE colonization was higher for adults (72%) compared with children (65%) and infants (60%) (P < .05). Colonization was higher for adults (50%) than children (40%) in the community (P < .05). There was no difference in ESCrE colonization between phase 1 and 2 (45% and 47%, respectively, P > .05), although reported use of antibiotics among households declined (23% and 7%, respectively, P < .001).

Conclusions

While hospitals remain foci for ESCrE and CRE colonization, consistent with the need for infection control programs, community prevalence of ESCrE in this study was high, potentially adding to colonization pressure and transmission in healthcare settings. Better understanding of transmission dynamics and age-related factors is needed.
Using Colonization to Understand the Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance Across Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Styczynski Ashley , Herzig Carolyn , Luvsansharav Ulzii-Orshikh , McDonald L Clifford , Smith Rachel M
Published: July 2023

Understanding the burden of antibiotic resistance globally is hindered by incomplete surveillance, particularly across low-resource settings. The Antibiotic Resistance in Communities and Hospitals (ARCH) consortium encompasses sites across 6 resource-limited settings and is intended to address these gaps. Supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the ARCH studies seek to characterize the burden of antibiotic resistance by examining colonization prevalence at the community and hospital level and to evaluate for risk factors that are associated with colonization. In this supplement, 7 articles present results from these initial studies. Though future studies identifying and evaluating prevention strategies will be critical to mitigate spreading resistance and its impact on populations, the findings from these studies address important questions surrounding the epidemiology of antibiotic resistance.
A 7-Year Brazilian National Perspective on Plasmid-Mediated Carbapenem Resistance in Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii Complex and the Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Their Occurrence
Authors: Kiffer Carlos R V , Rezende Thais F T , Costa-Nobre Daniela Testoni , Marinonio Ana Sílvia Scavacini , Shiguenaga Lucas Hidemitsu , Kulek Debora Nicole Oliveira , Arend Lavinia Nery Villa Stangler , Santos Ivson Cassiano de Oliveira , Sued-Karam Bruna Ribeiro , Rocha-de-Souza Claudio Marcos , Kraft Leticia , Abreu Andre , Peral Renata Tigulini de Souza , Carvalho-Assef Ana Paula D’Alincourt , Pillonetto Marcelo
Published: July 2023

Background

Carbapenemase production is a global public health threat. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data analysis is critical to public health policy. Here we analyzed carbapenemase detection trends using the AMR Brazilian Surveillance Network.

Methods

Carbapenemase detection data from Brazilian hospitals included in the public laboratory information system dataset were evaluated. The detection rate (DR) was defined as carbapenemase detected by gene tested per isolate per year. The temporal trends were estimated using the Prais–Winsten regression model. The impact of COVID-19 on carbapenemase genes in Brazil was determined for the period 2015–2022. Detection pre- (October 2017 to March 2020) and post-pandemic onset (April 2020 to September 2022) was compared using the χ2 test. Analyses were performed with Stata 17.0 (StataCorp, College Station, TX).

Results

83 282 blaKPC and 86 038 blaNDM were tested for all microorganisms. Enterobacterales DR for blaKPC and blaNDM was 68.6% (41 301/60 205) and 14.4% (8377/58 172), respectively. P. aeruginosa DR for blaNDM was 2.5% (313/12 528). An annual percent increase for blaNDM of 41.1% was observed, and a decrease for blaKPC of −4.0% in Enterobacterales, and an annual increase for blaNDM of 71.6% and for blaKPC of 22.2% in P. aeruginosa. From 2020 to 2022, overall increases of 65.2% for Enterobacterales, 77.7% for ABC, and 61.3% for P. aeruginosa were observed in the total isolates.

Conclusions

This study shows the strengths of the AMR Brazilian Surveillance Network with robust data related to carbapenemases in Brazil and the impact of COVID-19 with a change in carbapenemase profiles with blaNDM rising over the years.
Trends in Inpatient Antibiotic Use Among Adults Hospitalized During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, 2018–2021
Authors: Patel Twisha S , McGovern Olivia L , Mahon Garrett , Osuka Hanako , Boszczowski Icaro , Munita Jose M , Garzon Maria Isabel , Salomao Matias C , Marssola Giovanna , Tavares Bruno M , Francisco Debora B , Gurgel Alessandra P A , Arantes Tiago , Bori Andrea , Nogueira Cassimiro , Peters Anne , Spencer Maria , Orellana Cristian , Barbe Mario , Lopez Constanza , Stender Stacie , Lessa Fernanda C
Published: July 2023

Background

High rates of antibiotic use (AU) among inpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) despite low rates of bacterial coinfection and secondary infection have been reported. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on AU in healthcare facilities (HCFs) in South America.

Methods

We conducted an ecologic evaluation of AU in inpatient adult acute care wards in 2 HCFs each in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. The AU rates for intravenous antibiotics were calculated as the defined daily dose per 1000 patient-days, using pharmacy dispensing records and hospitalization data from March 2018–February 2020 (prepandemic) and March 2020–February 2021 (pandemic). Differences in median AU were compared between the prepandemic and pandemic periods, using the Wilcoxon rank sum test to determine significance. Interrupted time series analysis was used to analyze changes in AU during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Compared with the prepandemic period, the median difference in AU rates for all antibiotics combined increased in 4 of 6 HCFs (percentage change, 6.7%–35.1%; P < .05). In the interrupted time series models, 5 of 6 HCFs had significant increases in use of all antibiotics combined immediately at the onset of the pandemic (immediate effect estimate range, 15.4–268), but only 1 of these 5 HCFs experienced a sustained increase over time (change in slope, +8.13; P < .01). The effect of the pandemic onset varied by antibiotic group and HCF.

Conclusions

Substantial increases in AU were observed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting the need to maintain or strengthen antibiotic stewardship activities as part of pandemic or emergency HCF responses.
Transmission of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales in an Overcrowded Emergency Department: Controlling the Spread to the Hospital
Authors: Salomão Matias C , Freire Maristela P , Lázari Carolina S , Cury Ana P , Rossi Flávia , Segurado Aluisio A C , Costa Silvia F , Levin Anna S , Boszczowski Ícaro ,   Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacterales in Emergency Department (CRE-ED) Task Force, Tolentino Raphael B R , Bubach Laina , Almeida Bianca L , Barreira Lia M , Saihg Priscilla C , Yokogawa Roberta V P , Guedes Ana Rubia , Guimarães Thais
Published: July 2023

Background

Overcrowded emergency departments (EDs) may increase the risk of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) transmission.

Methods

We conducted a quasi-experimental study divided into 2 phases (baseline and intervention) to investigate the impact of an intervention on the acquisition rate and identify risk factors for CRE colonization in an ED of a tertiary academic hospital in Brazil. In both phases, we did universal screening with rapid molecular test (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA48, blaOXA23, and blaIMP) and culture. At baseline, both screening test results were not reported, and patients were put under contact precautions (CP) based on previous colonization or infection by multidrug-resistant organisms. During the intervention, all patients hospitalized in the ED were placed in empiric CP and the result of CRE screening was reported; if negative, patients were released from CP. Patients were rescreened if they stayed >7 days in the ED or were transferred to an intensive care unit.

Results

A total of 845 patients were included: 342 in baseline and 503 in intervention. Colonization at admission was 3.4% by culture and molecular test. Acquisition rates during ED stay dropped from 4.6% (11/241) to 1% (5/416) during intervention (P = .06). The aggregated antimicrobial use in the ED decreased from phase 1 to phase 2 (804 defined daily doses [DDD]/1000 patients to 394 DDD/1000 patients, respectively). Length of stay >2 days in the ED was a risk factor for CRE acquisition (adjusted odds ratio, 4.58 [95% confidence interval, 1.44–14.58]; P = .01).

Conclusions

Early empiric CP and rapid identification of CRE-colonized patients reduce cross-transmission in ED. Nevertheless, staying >2 days in ED compromised efforts.
High Burden of Intestinal Colonization With Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria in Chile: An Antibiotic Resistance in Communities and Hospitals (ARCH) Study
Authors: Araos Rafael , Smith Rachel M , Styczynski Ashley , Sánchez Felipe , Acevedo Johanna , Maureira Lea , Paredes Catalina , González Maite , Rivas Lina , Spencer-Sandino Maria , Peters Anne , Khan Ayesha , Sepulveda Dino , Wettig Loreto Rojas , Rioseco María Luisa , Usedo Pedro , Soto Pamela Rojas , Huidobro Laura Andrea , Ferreccio Catterina , Park Benjamin J , Undurraga Eduardo , D’Agata Erika M C , Jara Alejandro , Munita Jose M
Published: July 2023

Background

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat, heavily impacting low- and middle-income countries. This study estimated antimicrobial-resistant gram-negative bacteria (GNB) fecal colonization prevalence in hospitalized and community-dwelling adults in Chile before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Methods

From December 2018 to May 2019, we enrolled hospitalized adults in 4 public hospitals and community dwellers from central Chile, who provided fecal specimens and epidemiological information. Samples were plated onto MacConkey agar with ciprofloxacin or ceftazidime added. All recovered morphotypes were identified and characterized according to the following phenotypes: fluoroquinolone-resistant (FQR), extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant (ESCR), carbapenem-resistant (CR), or multidrug-resistant (MDR; as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria) GNB. Categories were not mutually exclusive.

Results

A total of 775 hospitalized adults and 357 community dwellers were enrolled. Among hospitalized subjects, the prevalence of colonization with FQR, ESCR, CR, or MDR-GNB was 46.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 42.9–50.0), 41.2% (95% CI, 37.7–44.6), 14.5% (95% CI, 12.0–16.9), and 26.3% (95% CI, 23.2–29.4). In the community, the prevalence of FQR, ESCR, CR, and MDR-GNB colonization was 39.5% (95% CI, 34.4–44.6), 28.9% (95% CI, 24.2–33.6), 5.6% (95% CI, 3.2–8.0), and 4.8% (95% CI, 2.6–7.0), respectively.

Conclusions

A high burden of antimicrobial-resistant GNB colonization was observed in this sample of hospitalized and community-dwelling adults, suggesting that the community is a relevant source of antibiotic resistance. Efforts are needed to understand the relatedness between resistant strains circulating in the community and hospitals.
Infectious Diseases Consultation Associated With Reduced Mortality in Gram-Negative Bacteremia
Authors: Shulder Stephanie , Tamma Pranita D , Fiawoo Suiyini , Dzintars Kathryn , Escobar Daniel , Livorsi Daniel J , Malani Anurag N , Palacio Danica , Spivak Emily S , Zimmerman Matty , Bork Jacqueline T
Published: July 2023

Gram-negative bacteremia (GN-BSI) can cause significant morbidity and mortality, but the benefit of infectious diseases consultation (IDC) is not well defined. A 24-site observational cohort study of unique hospitalized patients with 4861 GN-BSI episodes demonstrated a 40% decreased risk of 30-day mortality in patients with IDC compared to those without IDC.
Mycoplasma genitalium in the US (MyGeniUS): Surveillance Data From Sexual Health Clinics in 4 US Regions
Authors: Manhart Lisa E , Leipertz Gina , Soge Olusegun O , Jordan Stephen J , McNeil Candice , Pathela Preeti , Reno Hilary , Wendel Karen , Parker Anika , Geisler William M , Getman Damon , Golden Matthew R ,   for the MyGeniUS Study Team, Berzkalns Anna , Iqbal Alfred , Pascual Rushlenne , Wakatake Erika , Swenson Paul , Fortenberry Lora , Coss Lisa , Kamis Kevin , Nishiyama Masayo , Alderton Lucy , Weingarten Lawrence , Blair Laura , Strope Dana , Lewis Andrea , Jamison Kelly
Published: July 2023

Background

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is on the CDC Watch List of Antimicrobial Resistance Threats, yet there is no systematic surveillance to monitor change.

Methods

We initiated surveillance in sexual health clinics in 6 cities, selecting a quota sample of urogenital specimens tested for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia. We abstracted patient data from medical records and detected MG and macrolide-resistance mutations (MRMs) by nucleic acid amplification testing. We used Poisson regression to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% CIs, adjusting for sampling criteria (site, birth sex, symptom status).

Results

From October–December 2020 we tested 1743 urogenital specimens: 57.0% from males, 46.1% from non-Hispanic Black persons, and 43.8% from symptomatic patients. MG prevalence was 16.6% (95% CI: 14.9–18.5%; site-specific range: 9.9–23.5%) and higher in St Louis (aPR: 1.9; 1.27–2.85), Greensboro (aPR: 1.8; 1.18–2.79), and Denver (aPR: 1.7; 1.12–2.44) than Seattle. Prevalence was highest in persons <18 years (30.4%) and declined 3% per each additional year of age (aPR: .97; .955–.982). MG was detected in 26.8%, 21.1%, 11.8%, and 15.4% of urethritis, vaginitis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), respectively. It was present in 9% of asymptomatic males and 15.4% of asymptomatic females, and associated with male urethritis (aPR: 1.7; 1.22–2.50) and chlamydia (aPR: 1.7; 1.13–2.53). MRM prevalence was 59.1% (95% CI: 53.1–64.8%; site-specific range: 51.3–70.6%). MRMs were associated with vaginitis (aPR: 1.8; 1.14–2.85), cervicitis (aPR: 3.5; 1.69–7.30), and PID cervicitis (aPR: 1.8; 1.09–3.08).

Conclusions

MG infection is common in persons at high risk of sexually transmitted infections; testing symptomatic patients would facilitate appropriate therapy. Macrolide resistance is high and azithromycin should not be used without resistance testing.
Adding 6-month parameters for the prediction of kidney prognosis in ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis
Authors: Boud'hors Charlotte , Riou Jérémie , Fage Nicolas , Samoreau Clément , Desouche Alice , Gatault Philippe , Bridoux Frank , Martin Cécile , Wacrenier Samuel , Vinatier Emeline , Djema Assia , Henry Nicolas , Croué Anne , Piccoli Giorgina Barbara , Copin Marie-Christine , Augusto Jean-François , Brilland Benoît ,   the Maine-Anjou Registry Research Group, Augusto Jean-François , Beauvillain Céline , Brilland Benoit , Coindre Jean-Philippe , Copin Marie-Christine , Cousin Maud , Croué Anne , Djema Assia , Guibert Fanny , Henry Nicolas , Piccoli Giorgina Barbara , Pouteau Lise-Marie , Wacrenier Samuel , Vinatier Emeline
Published: July 2023

Background

Antineutrophil-cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) with kidney involvement (AAV-GN) frequently evolves to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) despite aggressive immunosuppressive treatment. Several risk scores have been used to assess renal prognosis. We aimed to determine whether kidney function and markers of AAV-GN activity after 6 months could improve the prediction of ESKD.

Methods

This retrospective and observational study included adult patients with AAV-GN recruited from six French nephrology centers (including from the Maine-Anjou AAV registry). The primary outcome was kidney survival. Analyses were conducted in the whole population and in a sub-population that did not develop ESKD early in the course of the disease.

Results

When considering the 102 patients with all data available at diagnosis, Berden classification and Renal Risk Score (RRS) were not found to be better than kidney function [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)] alone at predicting ESKD (C-index = 0.70, 0.79, 0.82, respectively). Multivariables models did not indicate an improved prognostic value when compared with eGFR alone.

When considering the 93 patients with all data available at 6 months, eGFR outperformed Berden classification and RRS (C-index = 0.88, 0.62, 0.69, respectively) to predict ESKD. RRS performed better when it was updated with the eGFR at 6 months instead of the baseline eGFR. While 6-month proteinuria was associated with ESKD and improved ESKD prediction, hematuria and serological remission did not.

Conclusion

This work suggests the benefit of the reassessment of the kidney prognosis 6 months after AAV-GN diagnosis. Kidney function at this time remains the most reliable for predicting kidney outcome. Of the markers tested, persistent proteinuria at 6 months was the only one to slightly improve the prediction of ESKD.
A Break Of Barrier To Classical Differential Fault Attack On The Nonce-Based Authenticated Encryption Algorithm
Authors: Liu Shuai , Ren Jizhou , Guan Jie , Hu Bin , Ma Sudong , Bai Hao
Published: July 2023

It had always been believed that there was an inherent barrier to Differential Fault Attack (DFA) on the nonce-based authenticated encryption algorithm. At CHES 2016, Saha et al. proposed an Internal Differential Fault Attack on a parallelizable counter-mode algorithm. They induce the attack to classical DFA at the expense of one more fault injection in every encryption process. In this paper, we propose the DFA on HYENA, which is a nonce-based authenticated encryption mode for GIFT-128. Our work is the first pure classical DFA on a nonce-based authenticated encryption algorithm with only one fault injected in every decryption process. Firstly, we give the DFA on GIFT-128 with a fault injected into the 39th-round input. Based on this work, we inject a fault in the underlying GIFT-128 of a HYENA decryption process and make this decryption process still generate the correct tag and output plaintext. This makes the necessary conditions of DFA satisfied. Experiments show that at most 56 key bits of HYENA can be recovered with only a few faulty ciphertexts. In addition, our fault injection is easier to achieve than most other work about fault attack, because the injection location is relatively random and the fault type can be arbitrary. It should be noted that the left 72 key bits cannot be recovered in this way.
Bleeding risk and P2Y12 inhibitors in all-comer patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention: a single-centre cohort study
Authors: Jacobsen Mia Ravn , Jabbari Reza , Engstrøm Thomas , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Glinge Charlotte , Pedersen Frants , Holmvang Lene , Køber Lars , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Maeng Michael , Veien Karsten , Freeman Phillip , Charlot Mette Gitz , Kelbæk Henning , Sørensen Rikke
Published: July 2023

Aims

To characterize and follow patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at high bleeding risk (HBR) according to the predicting bleeding complications in patients undergoing stent implantation and subsequent dual antiplatelet therapy (PRECISE-DAPT) score, and to examine the use of P2Y12 inhibitors and the subsequent risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and bleeding.

Methods and results

This single-centre cohort study included 6179 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, between 2009 and 2016. Individual linkage to nationwide registries was conducted to obtain information on diagnoses, claimed drugs, and vital status. Of the 5532 (89.5%) patients with available PRECISE-DAPT scores, 33.0% were at HBR and more often elderly and female with more comorbidities than non-HBR patients. One-year cumulative incidence rates per 100 person-years were 8.7 and 2.1 for major bleeding and 36.8 and 8.3 for MACE in HBR and non-HBR patients, respectively. Among the 4749 (85.8%) patients who survived and collected a P2Y12 inhibitor ≤7 days from discharge, 68.2% of HBR patients were treated with ticagrelor or prasugrel and 31.8% with clopidogrel, while 18.2% non-HBR patients were treated with clopidogrel. Adherence was high for all (>75% days coverage). The risk of MACE was lower in ticagrelor- and prasugrel-treated patients than in clopidogrel-treated patients without differences in major bleeding.

Conclusion

One-third of PCI-treated all-comer patients with STEMI were at HBR according to the PRECISE-DAPT score and were more often treated with potent P2Y12 inhibitors instead of clopidogrel. Thus, ischaemic risk may be weighted over bleeding risk in STEMI patients at HBR.
Determine atrial fibrillation burden with a photoplethysmographic mobile sensor: the atrial fibrillation burden trial: detection and quantification of episodes of atrial fibrillation using a cloud analytics service connected to a wearable with photoplethysmographic sensor
Authors: Reissenberger Pamela , Serfözö Peter , Piper Diana , Juchler Norman , Glanzmann Sara , Gram Jasmin , Hensler Karina , Tonidandel Hannah , Börlin Elena , D’Souza Marcus , Badertscher Patrick , Eckstein Jens
Published: July 2023

Aims

Recent studies suggest that atrial fibrillation (AF) burden (time AF is present) is an independent risk factor for stroke. The aim of this trial was to study the feasibility and accuracy to identify AF episodes and quantify AF burden in patients with a known history of paroxysmal AF with a photoplethysmography (PPG)-based wearable.

Methods and results

In this prospective, single-centre trial, the PPG-based estimation of AF burden was compared with measurements of a conventional 48 h Holter electrocardiogram (ECG), which served as the gold standard. An automated algorithm performed PPG analysis, while a cardiologist, blinded for the PPG data, analysed the ECG data. Detected episodes of AF measured by both methods were aligned timewise.Out of 100 patients recruited, 8 had to be excluded due to technical issues. Data from 92 patients were analysed [55.4% male; age 73.3 years (standard deviation, SD: 10.4)]. Twenty-five patients presented AF during the study period. The intraclass correlation coefficient of total AF burden minutes detected by the two measurement methods was 0.88. The percentage of correctly identified AF burden over all patients was 85.1% and the respective parameter for non-AF time was 99.9%.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that a PPG-based wearable in combination with an analytical algorithm appears to be suitable for a semiquantitative estimation of AF burden in patients with a known history of paroxysmal AF.

Trial Registration number

NCT04563572.
Identifying and assessing intensive and extensive technologies in European dairy farming
Authors: Latruffe Laure , Niedermayr Andreas , Desjeux Yann , Dakpo K Herve , Ayouba Kassoum , Schaller Lena , Kantelhardt Jochen , Jin Yan , Kilcline Kevin , Ryan Mary , O’Donoghue Cathal
Published: July 2023

In order to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, the European Union (EU) promotes extensive farming. However, identifying such farms across countries and assessing their performance for policy purposes remains challenging. This paper combines a latent class stochastic frontier model (LCSFM) with a novel nested metafrontier approach. The resulting model enables the identification of intensive and extensive farms across countries, estimation of farm efficiency and identification of different technology gaps. Based on Farm Accountancy Data Network data of French, Irish and Austrian dairy farms,we find poorer environmental but better economic performance of intensive farms, compared to extensive farms. The largest productivity differences stem from technology gaps and not from inefficiency. The approach enables a more nuanced analysis of sources of inefficiency to assist policy design for future green payments in the EU.
When ecological transitions are not so infrequent: independent colonizations of athalassohaline water bodies by Arcellidae (Arcellinida; Amoebozoa), with descriptions of four new species
Authors: Useros Fernando , González-Miguéns Rubén , Soler-Zamora Carmen , Lara Enrique
Published: July 2023

The salinity and humidity barriers divide biodiversity and strongly influence the distribution of organisms. Crossing them opens the possibility for organisms to colonize new niches and diversify, but requires profound physiological adaptations and is supposed to happen rarely in evolutionary history. We tested the relative importance of each ecological barrier by building the phylogeny, based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene (COI) sequences, of a group of microorganisms common in freshwater and soils, the Arcellidae (Arcellinida; Amoebozoa). We explored the biodiversity of this family in the sediments of athalassohaline water bodies (i.e. of fluctuating salinity that have non-marine origins). We found three new aquatic species, which represent, to the best of our knowledge, the first reports of Arcellinida in these salt-impacted ecosystems, plus a fourth terrestrial one in bryophytes. Culturing experiments performed on Arcella euryhalina sp. nov. showed similar growth curves in pure freshwater and under 20 g/L salinity, and long-term survival at 50 g/L, displaying a halotolerant biology. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all three new athalassohaline species represent independent transition events through the salinity barrier by freshwater ancestor, in contrast to the terrestrial species, which are monophyletic and represent a unique ecological transition from freshwater to soil environments.
The Use and Performance of Sealed Bid versus Oral Timber Auctions by State Forestry Agencies: A Minnesota Case Study
Authors: Kilgore Michael A
Published: July 2023

State governments are responsible for the stewardship and management of more than 28 million ha of forest land in the United States. This study presents the findings of an in-depth examination of the characteristics and performance of sealed bid and oral auctions using records from more than a thousand tracts offered for sale by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which administers one of the nation’s most robust state timber sale programs. The study found that although tracts offered for sale through oral and sealed bid auctions sold at the same rate and are undifferentiated with respect to nearly all characteristics, sealed bid tracts generated significantly higher winning prices and additional revenue per hectare than tracts sold using oral auctions. Logging businesses were more likely to win sealed auctions than oral auctions, and their portfolio of purchased tracts contained a higher proportion acquired through sealed bid auctions than the portfolio of sealed bid tracts purchased by mills. The study adds to the limited body of literature on public agency timber auctions and is the first to provide a detailed analysis of the auction methods used by a state forest management agency.

Study Implications: Public agencies use sealed bid and oral auctions to sell timber rights. This study of the nation’s largest state timber sale program found that the auction method used affects winning bid prices, the likelihood certain categories of bidders will win the auction, the allocation of timber to mills and logging businesses, and revenue generated for each hectare of timber sold. State timber sale program administrators may be able to use these findings to better understand how the choice of auction method affects the financial performance of their timber sale program as well as the allocation of timber among the major types of bidders.
Impact of the acquired subgenome on the transcriptional landscape in Brettanomyces bruxellensis allopolyploids
Authors: Jallet Arthur , Friedrich Anne , Schacherer Joseph
Published: July 2023

Gene expression variation can provide an overview of the changes in regulatory networks that underlie phenotypic diversity. Certain evolutionary trajectories such as polyploidization events can have an impact on the transcriptional landscape. Interestingly, the evolution of the yeast species Brettanomyces bruxellensis has been punctuated by diverse allopolyploidization events leading to the coexistence of a primary diploid genome associated with various haploid acquired genomes. To assess the impact of these events on gene expression, we generated and compared the transcriptomes of a set of 87 B. bruxellensis isolates, selected as being representative of the genomic diversity of this species. Our analysis revealed that acquired subgenomes strongly impact the transcriptional patterns and allow discrimination of allopolyploid populations. In addition, clear transcriptional signatures related to specific populations have been revealed. The transcriptional variations observed are related to some specific biological processes such as transmembrane transport and amino acids metabolism. Moreover, we also found that the acquired subgenome causes the overexpression of some genes involved in the production of flavor-impacting secondary metabolites, especially in isolates of the beer population.
Strain variation in gene expression impact of hyphal cyclin Hgc1 in Candida albicans
Authors: Sharma Anupam , Mitchell Aaron P
Published: July 2023

Formation of hyphae is a key virulence trait of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Hypha morphogenesis depends upon the cyclin Hgc1, which acts together with cyclin-dependent protein kinase Cdc28 to phosphorylate effectors that drive polarized growth. Hgc1 has also been implicated in gene regulation through its effects on 2 transcription factors, Efg1 and Ume6. Here, we report RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of 2 pairs of hgc1Δ/Δ mutants and their respective wild-type strains, which lie in 2 different genetic backgrounds. We find that hgc1Δ/Δ mutations alter expression of 271 genes in both genetic backgrounds and 266 of those genes respond consistently with regard to up- or down-regulation. Consistency is similar to what has been observed with efg1Δ/Δ mutations and greater than observed with nrg1Δ/Δ mutations in these 2 backgrounds. The gene expression response includes genes under Efg1 control, as expected from prior studies. Hgc1-responsive genes also include ergosterol biosynthetic genes and bud neck-related genes, which may reflect interactions between Hgc1 and additional transcription factors as well as effects of Hgc1 on cellular length-to-width ratios.
Impact of the GPS orbital dynamics on spurious interannual Earth deformation
Authors: Ait-Lakbir H , Santamaría-Gómez A , Perosanz F
Published: July 2023

Global Positioning System (GPS) daily position time-series have a standard precision of a few millimetres. However, GPS position series contain large temporal correlations that impede the observation of subtle interannual Earth deformation. We show that the specific configuration of the GPS constellation, compared to other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), contributes to the temporal correlation. Based on the analysis of observed and simulated GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou orbits, we determine that the GPS orbital dynamics are more prone to interannual drifts caused by their higher sensitivity to the lunisolar gravitational resonance. This leads to substantial changes in the observation geometry over time, which, combined with mismodelled station-dependent systematic errors, results in a larger temporal correlation for GPS position time-series. Improving the weighting of the GPS observations may mitigate the effect of geometry, which is absent in other GNSS constellations.
High-resolution structural imaging of volcanoes using improved muon tracking
Authors: Bajou R , Rosas-Carbajal M , Tonazzo A , Marteau J
Published: July 2023

Muography is increasingly used to image the density distribution of volcanic edifices, complementing traditional geophysical tomographies. Here, we present a new muon data processing algorithm, and apply it to a new generation of scintillator-based muon detectors, to image the relative density distribution in La Soufrière de Guadeloupe volcano (Lesser Antilles, France). Our processing method iteratively searches for the best fit of each muon trajectory, accounting for all the hits registered by the detector related to the particular muon event. We test the performance of our algorithm numerically, simulating the interaction of muons with our detector and accounting for its exact assemblage including the scintillator bars and lead shielding. We find that our new data processing mitigates the impact of spurious signals coming from secondary particles, and improves the amount of successfully reconstructed events. The resulting 2-D muon images at La Soufrière have higher angular resolution than previous ones and capture the heterogeneous structure of the dome. They show density anomalies located on the summit southern region, which includes a boiling acid lake and degassing fractures, where the rock is the most porous and fumarolic activity is ongoing. This work shows the importance of combining numerical simulations of muon propagation with precise raw data processing to obtain high-quality results. It is also a first step towards fully assessing the noise contamination sources when performing muon tomography, and their correction, prior to geophysical interpretations.
Goals for girls: a cluster-randomized trial to investigate a school-based sexual health programme amongst female learners in South Africa
Authors: Pike C , Coakley C , Ahmed N , Lee D , Little F , Padian N , Bekker L G
Published: July 2023

The delivery of comprehensive sexuality education to adolescents at school is recognized as a long-term strategy to support adolescent health. Suboptimal sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes among South African adolescents necessitate the ongoing development and optimization of SRH education and promotion models. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial amongst secondary schools (n = 38) in Cape Town, South Africa, to evaluate a sport-based, near-peer-led SRH curriculum, SKILLZ, amongst female learners (n = 2791). Biomedical (sexually transmitted infections [STIs], human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and pregnancy) and socio-behavioural (social support, gender norms and self-concept) outcomes were assessed pre and post intervention. Attendance at SKILLZ was low and intervention participants did not show an improvement in SRH outcomes, with HIV and pregnancy incidence remaining stable and STI prevalence remaining high and increasing in both control and intervention arms. Although evidence of positive socio-behavioural measures was present at baseline, participants with high attendance showed further improvement in positive gender norms. SKILLZ did not demonstrate the capacity to significantly impact clinical SRH outcomes. Modest improvements in outcomes amongst high attenders suggest that the impact may be possible with improved attendance; however, in the absence of optimal attendance, alternative intervention strategies may be required to improve SRH outcomes amongst adolescents.
Glycolytic Activation of CD14+ Intestinal Macrophages Contributes to the Inflammatory Responses via Exosomal Membrane Tumor Necrosis Factor in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Zeng Ziwei , Cheng Sijing , Li Xuanna , Liu Huashan , Lin Jinxin , Liang Zhenxing , Liu Xuanhui , Cao Chao , Li Shujuan , He Xiaowen , Kang Liang , Wu Xiaojian , Zheng Xiaobin
Published: July 2023

Background

Macrophage (Mφ) activation plays a critical role in the inflammatory response. Activated Mφ go through profound reprogramming of cellular metabolism. However, changes in their intracellular energy metabolism and its effect on inflammatory responses in Crohn’s disease (CD) remain currently unclear. The aim of this study is to explore metabolic signatures of CD14+ Mφ and their potential role in CD pathogenesis as well as the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

CD14+ Mφ were isolated from peripheral blood or intestinal tissues of CD patients and control subjects. Real-time flux measurements and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to determine the inflammatory states of Mφ and metabolic signatures. Multiple metabolic routes were suppressed to determine their relevance to cytokine production.

Results

Intestinal CD14+ Mφ in CD patients exhibited activated glycolysis compared with those in control patients. Specifically, macrophagic glycolysis in CD largely induced inflammatory cytokine release. The intestinal inflammatory microenvironment in CD elicited abnormal glycolysis in Mφ. Mechanistically, CD14+ Mφ derived exosomes expressed membrane tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which engaged TNFR2 and triggered glycolytic activation via TNF/nuclear factor κB autocrine and paracrine signaling. Importantly, clinically applicable anti-TNF antibodies effectively prevented exosomal membrane TNF–induced glycolytic activation in CD14+ Mφ.

Conclusions

CD14+ Mφ take part in CD pathogenesis by inducing glycolytic activation via membrane TNF–mediated exosomal autocrine and paracrine signaling. These results provide novel insights into pathogenesis of CD and enhance understanding of the mechanisms of anti-TNF agents.