bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family screening for bicuspid aortic valve and aortic dilatation: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bray Jonathan J H , Freer Rosie , Pitcher Alex , Kharbanda Rajesh
Published: June 2023

Aims

International guidelines recommend screening of first-degree relatives (FDR) of people with bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs). However, the prevalence of BAV and of aortic dilatation amongst family members is uncertain.

Methods and results

A systematic review and meta-analysis of original reports of screening for BAV. Databases including MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception to December 2021 using relevant search terms. Data were sought on the screened prevalence of BAV and aortic dilatation. The protocol was specified prior to the searches being performed, and standard meta-analytic techniques were used. Twenty-three observational studies met inclusion criteria (n = 2297 index cases; n = 6054 screened relatives). The prevalence of BAV amongst relatives was 7.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.1%–8.6%] overall and per family was 23.6% (95% CI 18.1%–29.5%). The prevalence of aortic dilatation amongst relatives was 9.4% (95% CI 5.7%–13.9%). Whilst the prevalence of aortic dilatation was particularly high in relatives with BAV (29.2%; 95% CI 15.3%–45.1%), aortic dilatation alongside tricuspid aortic valves was a more frequent finding, as there were many more family members with tricuspid valves than BAV. The prevalence estimate amongst relatives with tricuspid valves (7.0%; 95% CI 3.2%–12.0%) was higher than reported in the general population.

Conclusion

Screening family members of people with BAV can identify a cohort substantially enriched for the presence of bicuspid valve, aortic enlargement, or both. The implications for screening programmes are discussed, including in particular the substantial current uncertainties regarding the clinical implications of aortic findings.
PCI or CABG for left main coronary artery disease: the SWEDEHEART registry
Authors: Persson Jonas , Yan Jacinth , Angerås Oskar , Venetsanos Dimitrios , Jeppsson Anders , Sjögren Iwar , Linder Rikard , Erlinge David , Ivert Torbjörn , Omerovic Elmir
Published: June 2023

Aims

An observational nationwide all-comers prospective register study to analyse outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease.

Methods and results

All patients undergoing coronary angiography in Sweden are registered in the Swedish Web-system for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-based care in Heart disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies registry. Between 01/01/2005 and 12/31/2015, 11 137 patients with LMCA disease underwent CABG (n = 9364) or PCI (n = 1773). Patients with previous CABG, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) or cardiac shock were excluded. Death, MI, stroke, and new revascularization during follow-up until 12/31/2015 were identified using national registries. Cox regression with inverse probability weighting (IPW) and an instrumental variable (IV), administrative region, were used. Patients undergoing PCI were older, had higher prevalence of comorbidity but lower prevalence of three-vessel disease. PCI patients had higher mortality than CABG patients after adjustments for known cofounders with IPW analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 2.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5–2.7]) and known/unknown confounders with IV analysis (HR 1.5 [95% CI 1.1–2.0]). PCI was associated with higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; death, MI, stroke, or new revascularization) than CABG, with IV analysis (HR 2.8 [95% CI 1.8–4.5]). There was a quantitative interaction for diabetic status regarding mortality (P = 0.014) translating into 3.6 years (95% CI 3.3–4.0) longer median survival time favouring CABG in patients with diabetes.

Conclusion

In this non-randomized study, CABG in patients with LMCA disease was associated with lower mortality and fewer MACCE compared to PCI after multivariable adjustment for known and unknown confounders.
‘Snapshot’ cohort study design across multi-site research settings: challenges, strategies, and solutions
Authors: Tankumpuan Thitipong , Kruahong Suratsawadee , Benjasirisan Chitchanok , Davidson Patricia M
Published: June 2023

Multi-site research studies redefine cohort studies by simultaneously providing a cross-sectional snapshot of patients and monitoring them over time, to evaluate outcomes. However, careful design is crucial to minimize potential biases, such as seasonal variations, that may arise during the study period. Addressing snapshot study challenges requires strategic solutions: implementing multi-stage sampling for representativeness, providing rigorous data collection training, using translation techniques and content validation for cultural and linguistic appropriateness, streamlining ethical approval processes, and applying comprehensive data management for follow-up and missing data. These strategies can optimize the efficacy and ethicality of snapshot studies.
Have genetic targets for faecal pollution diagnostics and source tracking revolutionized water quality analysis yet?
Authors: Demeter Katalin , Linke Rita , Ballesté Elisenda , Reischer Georg , Mayer René E , Vierheilig Julia , Kolm Claudia , Stevenson Margaret E , Derx Julia , Kirschner Alexander K T , Sommer Regina , Shanks Orin C , Blanch Anicet R , Rose Joan B , Ahmed Warish , Farnleitner Andreas H
Published: June 2023

The impacts of nucleic acid-based methods - such as PCR and sequencing - to detect and analyze indicators, genetic markers or molecular signatures of microbial faecal pollution in health-related water quality research were assessed by rigorous literature analysis. A wide range of application areas and study designs has been identified since the first application more than 30 years ago (>1100 publications). Given the consistency of methods and assessment types, we suggest defining this emerging part of science as a new discipline: genetic faecal pollution diagnostics (GFPD) in health-related microbial water quality analysis. Undoubtedly, GFPD has already revolutionized faecal pollution detection (i.e., traditional or alternative general faecal indicator/marker analysis) and microbial source tracking (i.e., host-associated faecal indicator/marker analysis), the current core applications. GFPD is also expanding to many other research areas, including infection and health risk assessment, evaluation of microbial water treatment, and support of wastewater surveillance. In addition, storage of DNA extracts allows for biobanking, which opens up new perspectives. The tools of GFPD can be combined with cultivation-based standardized faecal indicator enumeration, pathogen detection, and various environmental data types, in an integrated data analysis approach. This comprehensive meta-analysis provides the scientific status quo of this field, including trend analyses and literature statistics, outlining identified application areas, and discusses the benefits and challenges of nucleic acid-based analysis in GFPD.
Microbiota and fungal-bacterial interactions in the cystic fibrosis lung
Authors: Santos-Fernandez Eneko , Martin-Souto Leire , Antoran Aitziber , Areitio Maialen , Aparicio-Fernandez Leire , Bouchara Jean-Philippe , Schwarz Carsten , Rementeria Aitor , Buldain Idoia , Ramirez-Garcia Andoni
Published: June 2023

The most common genetic hereditary disease affecting Caucasians is cystic fibrosis (CF), which is caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the CFTR gene. The most serious consequence is the production of a thick and sticky mucus in the respiratory tract, which entraps airborne microorganisms and facilitates colonization, inflammation and infection. Therefore, the present article compiles the information about the microbiota and, particularly, the inter-kingdom fungal-bacterial interactions in the CF lung, the molecules involved and the potential effects that these interactions may have on the course of the disease. Among the bacterial compounds, quorum sensing-regulated molecules such as homoserine lactones, phenazines, rhamnolipids, quinolones and siderophores (pyoverdine and pyochelin) stand out, but volatile organic compounds, maltophilin and CF-related bacteriophages are also explained. These molecules exhibit diverse antifungal mechanisms, including iron starvation and induction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production. The fungal compounds are less studied, but they include cell wall components, siderophores, patulin and farnesol. Despite the apparent competition between microorganisms, the persistence of significant rates of bacterial-fungal co-colonization in CF suggests that numerous variables influence it. In conclusion, it is crucial to increase scientific and economic efforts to intensify studies on the bacterial-fungal inter-kingdom interactions in the CF lung.
Supporting Persons With Dementia: Perspectives From Certified Nurse’s Assistants
Authors: Dokos Malinda , Schultz Rebecka , Gossner Jacob D , Fauth Elizabeth B
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

Many persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD) receive care from paid staff in residential communities. The most common staff in these communities are certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Although CNAs have a high number of interactions with residents, and thus the possibility of engaging in social interactions, evidence suggests that they provide limited social support to persons with ADRD. Little is known about the attitudes of CNAs toward providing social support to persons with ADRD and their perception of components of quality social interactions with these individuals.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with 11 CNAs (91% female participants, mean age 23.6) to understand their perceptions about providing social support to persons with ADRD and the components of effective social interactions.

Results

Our results show that CNAs consider providing social support to be an important part of their role as CNAs. Additionally, participants emphasized the interplay of verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and internal beliefs and attitudes toward persons with ADRD in creating effective social interactions. Participants highlighted multiple barriers to providing residents with social support, including lack of time, lack of training, and the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Discussion and Implications

We offer implications for expanding training for CNAs working with persons with dementia and improving policy based on our results.
Facial Trustworthiness Influences Age Differences in Visual Attention Toward Credible Versus Non-credible Messages
Authors: Fung Nicole Long Ki , Fung Helene H , Chu Li , Gong Xianmin
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

The literature on consumer decision-making and aging suggests that older adults make less optimal buying decisions than younger adults do, partly because older adults tend to perceive salespersons’ faces as more trustworthy. This study aims to directly test the difference in the effect of perceived facial trustworthiness on buying intention between younger and older adults. It also aims to reveal the underlying mechanisms of this age-related difference by testing whether a more trustworthy face disrupts older adults’ attention toward credible (vs. non-credible) information to a higher degree compared with younger adults.

Research Design and Methods

A sample of 92 younger (aged 18–37 years) and 83 older (aged 60–82 years) adults viewed advertisements for 32 products while their eye movements were captured by an eye tracker to measure their fixation duration (as an indicator of attention). The advertisements varied in terms of the credibility of the content and the trustworthiness of the salesperson’s face.

Results

Both age groups showed higher buying intentions for products featured in advertisements with higher credibility and facial trustworthiness. When facial trustworthiness was lower, both age groups showed greater attentional preferences for credible over non-credible content. However, this distinction in attention disappeared in older but not younger adults with an increase in facial trustworthiness.

Discussion and Implications

Our findings suggest that although facial trustworthiness generally increases buying intention of both younger and older adults, it only reduces older (but not younger) adults’ attentional discrimination between credible and non-credible content. This paper offers a novel and promising mechanism for the increase in fraud vulnerability in late adulthood.
En echelon faults reactivated by wastewater disposal near Musreau Lake, Alberta
Authors: Schultz Ryan , Park Yongsoo , Aguilar Suarez Albert Leonardo , Ellsworth William L , Beroza Gregory C
Published: June 2023

We use machine-learning and cross-correlation techniques to enhance earthquake detectability by two magnitude units for the earthquake sequence near Musreau Lake, Alberta, which is induced by wastewater disposal. This deep catalogue reveals a series of en echelon ∼N–S oriented strike-slip faults that are favourably oriented for reactivation. These faults require only ∼0.6 MPa overpressure for triggering to occur. Earthquake activity occurs in bursts, or episodes; episodes restricted to the largest fault tend to have earthquakes starting near the southern end (distant from injectors) and progressing northwards (towards the injectors). While most events are concentrated along these ∼N–S oriented faults, we also delineate smaller faults. Together, these findings suggest pore pressure as the triggering mechanism, where a time-dependent increase in pore pressure likely caused these faults to progressively reawaken. Analysis of the ‘next record-breaking event’, a statistical model that forecasts the sequencing of earthquake magnitudes, suggests that the next largest event would be ML ∼4.3. The seismically illuminated length of the largest fault indicates potential magnitudes as large as Mw 5.3.
Finite-element modelling of seismoelectric and electroseismic waves in frequency domain: 2-D SHTE mode
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Gao Yongxin , Zhou Guanqun , Tong Ping , Cheng Qianli , Yao Cheng , Bai Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

We propose a frequency-domain finite-element (FDFE) method to simulate the 2-D SHTE mode seismoelectric and electroseismic waves. By neglecting the secondary weak wavefield feedbacks, the SH and TE waves are solved, separately. In a finite plane region, propagations of both SH and TE waves can be described as the Helmholtz equation with boundary conditions, which is proved to be equivalent to the extremum of functional by conducting calculus of variation. The computation region is partitioned into structured rectangular elements with the bilinear interpolation. The proposed FDFE algorithm solves the wavefield in frequency domain and avoids adopting the quasi-static approximation. One advantage of the proposed algorithm is its ability to accurately simulate the seismoelectric and electroseismic responses generated from the free surface. We verify the proposed algorithm based on a layered model beneath a free surface by comparing the waveforms calculated using the FDFE algorithm with those calculated using analytically-based method. The proposed algorithm is applied in feasibility studies of interface seismoelectric and electroseismic responses in exploring the hydrocarbon reservoir and monitoring the time-lapse pollutant within a sand channel.
Professionals’ Perspectives on Substance Use among Refugees in Shared Accommodations: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Lorenz Miriam Hedwig , Ensle Anja , Taggert Julia , Uricher Jonathan , Heidenreich Thomas , Laging Marion
Published: June 2023

Refugees are at a higher risk of hazardous substance use due to their traumatic experiences in their country of origin, their flight, and the difficult situation of arriving in the host country. The professionals interviewed in this study describe both the heightened vulnerability and the circumstances refugees live in after arriving in Germany. Evidence was collected by interviewing five professionals who work for and with refugees in the context of a qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with a semistructured interview guideline and analyzed for thematic content. Based on the interview data, the authors identified risk factors for hazardous substance use and possible solutions to improve the situation in shared accommodations for refugees and asylum seekers who see substance use as a resource for coping. In addition, existing barriers impede refugees from finding prevention measures and intervention programs. There is a need for specialized addiction aid with culturally appropriate programs and preventive measures to reach refugees who live in shared accommodations in Germany. Furthermore, interdisciplinary cooperation in the areas of addiction aid, refugee support, and mental healthcare should be improved.
Optimal period of smoking cessation to reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in lung cancer
Authors: Shigeeda Wataru , Deguchi Hiroyuki , Tomoyasu Makoto , Kaneko Yuka , Yoshimura Ryuichi , Iwai Hidenobu , Kanno Hironaga , Kudo Satoshi , Takahashi Fumiaki , Saito Hajime
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) provoke an extended hospital stay and increased postoperative mortality. Although several factors can cause PPCs, smoking is the only factor that can be adjusted within a short period of time preoperatively. However, the optimal period of smoking cessation to reduce the risk of PPCs remains unclear.

METHODS

A total of 1260 patients with primary lung cancer who underwent radical pulmonary resection between January 2010 and December 2021 were analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

We classified patients into 2 groups: non-smokers (patients who had never smoked) and smokers (patients who had ever smoked). The frequency of PPCs was 3.3% in non-smokers and 9.7% in smokers. PPCs were significantly less frequent in non-smokers than in smokers (P < 0.001). When smokers were classified according to the duration of smoking cessation, the frequency of PPCs was significantly lower for a duration of 6 weeks or more than for <6 weeks (P < 0.001). In a propensity score analysis performed for 6 or >6 and <6 weeks’ smoking cessation in smokers, the frequency of PPCs was significantly lower for smokers with 6 or more weeks’ smoking cessation than for smokers with <6 weeks’ smoking cessation (P = 0.002). A multivariable analysis identified <6 weeks’ smoking cessation as a significant predictor of PPCs for smokers (odds ratio: 4.55, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking cessation for 6 or more weeks preoperatively significantly reduced the frequency of PPCs.
Pediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Diagnostic Testing Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Onwuchekwa Chukwuemeka , Atwell Jessica , Moreo Laura Mora , Menon Sonia , Machado Belen , Siapka Mariana , Agarwal Neha , Rubbrecht Michelle , Aponte-Torres Zuleika , Rozenbaum Mark , Curcio Daniel , Nair Harish , Kalina Warren V , Vroling Hilde , Gessner Bradford , Begier Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Background

Adding additional specimen types (eg, serology or sputum) to nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) increases respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detection among adults. We assessed if a similar increase occurs in children and quantified underascertainment associated with diagnostic testing.

Methods

We searched databases for studies involving RSV detection in persons <18 years using ≥2 specimen types or tests. We assessed study quality using a validated checklist. We pooled detection rates by specimen and diagnostic tests and quantified performance.

Results

We included 157 studies. Added testing of additional specimens to NP aspirate (NPA), NPS, and/or nasal swab (NS) RT-PCR resulted in statistically nonsignificant increases in RSV detection. Adding paired serology testing increased RSV detection by 10%, NS by 8%, oropharyngeal swabs by 5%, and NPS by 1%. Compared to RT-PCR, direct fluorescence antibody tests, viral culture, and rapid antigen tests were 87%, 76%, and 74% sensitive, respectively (pooled specificities all ≥98%). Pooled sensitivity of multiplex versus singleplex RT-PCR was 96%.

Conclusions

RT-PCR was the most sensitive pediatric RSV diagnostic test. Adding multiple specimens did not substantially increase RSV detection, but even small proportional increases could result in meaningful changes in burden estimates. The synergistic effect of adding multiple specimens should be evaluated.
A Pan-Ebolavirus Monoclonal Antibody Cocktail Provides Protection Against Ebola and Sudan Viruses
Authors: Liu Guodong , He Shihua , Chan Michael , Zhang Zirui , Schulz Helene , Cao Wenguang , Rahim Md Niaz , Audet Jonathan , Garnett Lauren , Wec Anna , Chandran Kartik , Qiu Xiangguo , Banadyga Logan
Published: June 2023

Filoviruses, including ebolaviruses and marburgviruses, can cause severe and often fatal disease in humans. Over the past several years, antibody therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of filovirus disease. Here, we describe 2 distinct cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) isolated from mice immunized with recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus–based filovirus vaccines. Both mAbs recognized the glycoproteins of multiple different ebolaviruses and exhibited broad but differential in vitro neutralization activities against these viruses. By themselves, each mAb provided partial to full protection against Ebola virus in mice, and in combination, the mAbs provided 100% protection against Sudan virus challenge in guinea pigs. This study identified novel mAbs that were elicited through immunization and able to provide protection from ebolavirus infection, thus enriching the pool of candidate therapeutics for treating Ebola disease.
The Inability of Marburg Virus to Cause Disease in Ferrets Is Not Solely Linked to the Virus Glycoprotein
Authors: Schiffman Zachary , Garnett Lauren , Tran Kaylie N , Cao Wenguang , He Shihua , Emeterio Karla , Tierney Kevin , Azaransky Kim , Strong James E , Banadyga Logan
Published: June 2023

Ebola virus (EBOV) causes lethal disease in ferrets, whereas Marburg virus (MARV) does not. To investigate this difference, we first evaluated viral entry by infecting ferret spleen cells with vesicular stomatitis viruses pseudotyped with either MARV or EBOV glycoprotein (GP). Both viruses were capable of infecting ferret spleen cells, suggesting that lack of disease is not due to a block in MARV entry. Next, we evaluated replication kinetics of authentic MARV and EBOV in ferret cell lines and demonstrated that, unlike EBOV, MARV was only capable of low levels of replication. Finally, we inoculated ferrets with a recombinant EBOV expressing MARV GP in place of EBOV GP. Infection resulted in uniformly lethal disease within 7–9 days postinfection, while MARV-inoculated animals survived until study endpoint. Together these data suggest that the inability of MARV to cause disease in ferrets is not entirely linked to GP.
Exploring the third-generation tetracycline resistance of multidrug-resistant livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST9 across healthcare settings in China
Authors: Chen Yiyi , Sun Lu , Hong Yueqin , Chen Mengzhen , Zhang Hao , Peng Yaqin , Liao Kang , Wang Haiping , Zhu Feiteng , Zhuang Hemu , Wang Zhengan , Jiang Shengnan , Yu Yunsong , Chen Yan
Published: June 2023

Background

The overuse of antibiotics in livestock is contributing to the burden of antimicrobial resistance in humans, representing a One Health challenge. Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) has recently become a growing concern, and ST9 is the major LA-MRSA lineage in China and has emerged in clinical settings.

Methods

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was used to evaluate the tetracycline resistance of ST9 MRSA collections, and gene cloning experiments were performed to explore the resistance mechanisms. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics were used to analyse the genetic features of clinical ST9 isolates. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to investigate the relationship of human- and livestock-derived ST9 isolates.

Results

Clinical ST9 isolates were found to possess several types of resistance genes and resistance-related mutations and were multidrug-resistant. Notably, all clinical ST9 isolates were resistant to third-generation tetracyclines. Cloning experiments showed that both the acquisition of the tetracycline resistance gene tet(L)/tet(63) and a mutation in the rpsJ gene contributed to third-generation tetracycline resistance. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the ST9 isolates collected in healthcare systems were probably transmitted from livestock. The ST9 lineage underwent multiple interspecies recombination events and gained many resistance elements. Furthermore, the resistance to third-generation tetracyclines may have evolved under tetracycline pressure in livestock.

Conclusions

The evolution of ST9 MRSA in livestock and transmission of this clone between humans and livestock highlight the importance of establishing control strategies with the One Health approach to reduce the burden of antibiotic resistance.
Cefotaxime/sulbactam plus gentamicin as a potential carbapenem- and amikacin-sparing first-line combination for neonatal sepsis in high ESBL prevalence settings
Authors: Readman J B , Acman M , Hamawandi A , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Sharland M , Lindsay J A , Standing J F
Published: June 2023

Background

Infection with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae infection is ubiquitous in some neonatal ICUs and increasing levels of antibiotic resistance are a cause for urgent concern. Delineation of bacterial and viral sepsis can be challenging, often leading to patients receiving empirical antibiotics without or whilst waiting for a definitive causal diagnosis. Empirical therapy is often dependent on broad-spectrum ‘Watch’ antibiotics, contributing to further resistance.

Methods

ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates found to have caused neonatal sepsis and meningitis underwent a detailed in vitro screening including susceptibility testing, chequerboard combination analysis and hollow-fibre infection model dynamic analyses using combinations of cefotaxime, ampicillin and gentamicin in combination with β-lactamase inhibitors.

Results

Additivity or synergy was found for all antibiotic combinations against seven Escherichia coli and three Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates. Cefotaxime or ampicillin plus sulbactam combined with gentamicin was able to consistently inhibit the growth of ESBL-producing isolates at typical neonatal doses, and the combination cleared the hollow-fibre infection model system of organisms resistant to each agent alone. The combination of cefotaxime/sulbactam and gentamicin was consistently bactericidal at clinically achievable concentrations (Cmax of 180, 60 and 20 mg/L for cefotaxime, sulbactam and gentamicin, respectively).

Conclusions

The addition of sulbactam to cefotaxime or ampicillin to the typical first-line empirical therapy could obviate the need for carbapenems and amikacin in settings with high ESBL-infection prevalence.
Role of yceA-cybB-yceB operon in oxidative stress tolerance, swimming motility and antibiotic susceptibility of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Liao Chun-Hsing , Ku Ren-Hsuan , Li Li-Hua , Wu Cheng-Mu , Yang Tsuey-Ching
Published: June 2023

Background

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is ubiquitous in the environment and is an important MDR opportunistic pathogen. Oxidative stress is an inevitable challenge to an aerobic bacterium. Accordingly, S. maltophilia has many capabilities to face variable oxidative stress. Some of the oxidative stress alleviation systems cross-protect bacteria from antibiotics. In our recent RNA-sequencing transcriptome analysis, we documented the increased expression of a three-gene cluster, yceA-cybB-yceB, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The YceI-like, cytochrome b561 and YceI-like proteins encoded by yceA, cybB and yceB are located in the cytoplasm, inner membrane and periplasm, respectively.

Objectives

To characterize the role of the yceA-cybB-yceB operon of S. maltophilia in oxidative stress tolerance, swimming motility and antibiotic susceptibility.

Methods

The presence of the yceA-cybB-yceB operon was verified by RT–PCR. The functions of this operon were revealed by in-frame deletion mutant construction and complementation assay. Expression of the yceA-cybB-yceB operon was assessed by quantitative RT–PCR.

Results

The yceA, cybB and yceB genes form an operon. Loss of function of the yceA-cybB-yceB operon compromised menadione tolerance, enhanced swimming motility and increased susceptibility to fluoroquinolone and β-lactam antibiotics. The expression of the yceA-cybB-yceB operon was up-regulated by oxidative stress, such as H2O2 and superoxide, and not impacted by antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolone and β-lactams.

Conclusions

The evidence strongly supports the view that the physiological function of the yceA-cybB-yceB operon is to alleviate oxidative stress. The operon provides an additional example that oxidative stress alleviation systems can cross-protect S. maltophilia from antibiotics.
Assessment of the knowledge, attitudes and perceived quality of education about antimicrobial use and resistance of medical students in Zambia, Southern Africa
Authors: Nowbuth Avis A , Monteiro Filipe J , Sheets Lincon R , Asombang Akwi W
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, particularity in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) where antibiotics are readily available, leading to antibiotic misuse. Educational interventions are lacking in Zambia. Our study assessed antimicrobial use and resistance knowledge, attitude and perceived quality of education relating to AMR in Zambian medical schools.

Methods

A cross-sectional anonymous survey of students at six accredited medical schools in Zambia using a self-administered questionnaire was administered, using Qualtrics. Chi-squared, Fisher exact test, Pearson correlation test and Student’s t-tests were performed for descriptive analyses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between knowledge and antibiotic use, beliefs and behaviours. Analysis was performed in SAS version 9.4.

Results

One hundred and eighty responses from six medical schools were included in the final analysis. Fifty-six percent of students rated their overall education on antibiotic use as useful or very useful. Ninety-one percent thought that antibiotics are overused, and 88% thought resistance was a problem in Zambia. Only 47% felt adequately trained on antibiotic prescribing, and 43% felt confident in choosing the correct antibiotic for specific infections. Only 2% felt prepared interpreting antibiograms, 3% were trained to de-escalate to narrow-spectrum antibiotics, 6% knew how to transition from IV antibiotics to oral antibiotics, 12% knew of dosing and duration, and 14% understood the spectrum of activity of antibiotics. Forty-seven percent of respondents think hand hygiene is unimportant.

Conclusions

Medical students in Zambia expressed a good level of knowledge, but low levels of training and confidence regarding antimicrobial prescribing practices and resistance. Our study highlights training gaps and possible areas of intervention in the medical school curriculum.
Past and Future: Backward and Forward Discounting
Authors: Ray Debraj , Vellodi Nikhil , Wang Ruqu
Published: June 2023

We study a model of time preference in which both current consumption and the memory of past consumption enter “experienced utility”—or the felicity—of an individual. An individual derives overall utility from her own felicity and the anticipated felicities of future selves. These postulates permit an agent to anticipate future regret in current decisions, and generate a set of novel testable implications in line with empirical evidence. The model can be applied to disparate phenomena, including present bias, equilibrium savings behavior, anticipation of regret, and career concerns.
Assessing the Development Prospects of Carbon Capture and Storage from the Perspective of Law and Economics
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhang Xiaochen , Zhang Xin
Published: June 2023

This review article examines Faure and Partain’s book Carbon Capture and Storage: Efficient Legal Policies for Risk Governance and Compensation. In nine chapters, extending across almost 220 pages, Faure and Partain present us with a great deal of key analytical insights regarding current carbon capture and storage (CCS) policies. Following their viewpoints, we methodically show the applicability of a law and economics tool to regulate CCS liabilities and further propose to integrate CCS projects into the emission trading system.
Efficient pure qP-wave simulation and reverse time migration imaging for vertical transverse isotropic (VTI) media
Authors: Mu Xinru , Huang Jianping , Mao Qiang , Han Jiale
Published: June 2023

Anisotropic pseudo-acoustic forward modeling and migration imaging are critical for high-precision seismic exploration. However, the wavefields simulated by the traditional coupled anisotropic acoustic wave equation have the problems of shear wave noise and numerical simulation instability for epsilon that is less than delta. Furthermore, although the pure anisotropic acoustic wave equation expressed by the differential operators can solve the aforementioned noise interference and numerical simulation instability issues, its numerical simulation calculation is large, particularly in 3D industrial applications, because it has to be solved by the spectral-based method. In this paper, a pure anisotropic acoustic wave equation in a vertical transverse isotropic (VTI) medium that can be numerically computed using the efficient finite difference method is derived. This equation not only eliminates noise interference and numerical simulation instabilities, but also allows for an efficient wavefield simulation. We also implement reverse time migration (RTM) using the proposed VTI pure anisotropic acoustic wave equation. Two synthetic tests and one field data test are performed to evaluate the accuracy and robustness of the developed VTI RTM. The imaging results show that the proposed VTI RTM can correct the anisotropy effect on seismic wave propagation and improve migration imaging precision.
Updates of perioperative multidisciplinary treatment for surgically resectable esophageal cancer
Authors: Tsuji Takayuki , Matsuda Satoru , Takeuchi Masashi , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: June 2023

Esophageal cancer has one of the poorest prognoses among all cancer types, due to the propensity for an early spread through the lymphatics and the difficulty to perform surgical treatment. To improve the prognosis, the management of esophageal cancer has been developed through the conduct of several clinical trials worldwide. In western societies, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has been established as the standard treatment approach, as indicated by the results of the CROSS trial. Recently, the Japanese JCOG1109 trial demonstrated the significant improvement of survival by neoadjuvant triplet chemotherapy. As an adjuvant treatment, an immune checkpoint inhibitor has shown promising results in the CheckMate-577 trial. Including adjuvant S-1 mono therapy as another option, a randomised control phase III study will determine the ideal treatment for surgically resectable esophageal cancer. Furthermore, the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant cisplatin +5-fluorouracil or DCF plus nivolumab are examined in the JCOG1804E (FRONTiER) study. In addition to definitive chemoradiation therapy, the SANO trial is examining the safety and efficacy of active surveillance after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, which might give us the choice to adopt organ preservation approach. The development of treatment has progressed dramatically with the advent of immunotherapy. Considering the biomarkers to predict the treatment response and prognosis, individualised multidisciplinary treatment strategies should be established for esophageal cancer patients.
Variable Support and Opposition to Fuels Treatments for Wildfire Risk Reduction: Melding Frameworks for Local Context and Collaborative Potential
Authors: Paveglio Travis B , Edgeley Catrin M
Published: June 2023

Fuels reduction projects are an increasing focus of policy, funding, and management actions aimed at reducing wildfire risk to human populations while improving landscape health. This research used in-depth interviews to explore variable support or opposition to three fuels-reduction projects occurring in the same region of north central Washington State, USA. Results indicate that differential support or opposition to each project stemmed from a unique combination of social factors operating in each locality (e.g., past history with fuels treatments, values for public land, environmental advocacy networks), the relationships that local populations had with agency members conducting each treatment, and the ways that managers engaged populations in the design of each treatment. We used existing frameworks for understanding collaborative potential/environmental conflict and for documenting the influence of local social context on adaptive wildfire actions to help explain emergent lessons about support or opposition to each project.
Sexual dysfunction related to psychiatric disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Herder T , Spoelstra S K , Peters A W M , Knegtering H
Published: June 2023

Background

Sexual dysfunction is thought to be highly prevalent in patients with psychiatric disorders. Factors such as the use of psychotropic substances (ie, psychopharmaceuticals and drugs), age, or somatic diseases may contribute to sexual problems, but the extent to which psychopathology itself affects sexual functioning is not well understood.

Aim

The study sought to provide an overview of the literature on the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in psychotropic-free and somatic disease-free psychiatric patients.

Method

A systematic review (PRISMA [Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses]) was conducted by 2 authors (TH and AWMP) independently, with the review process being monitored by a third author. Relevant articles on the relationship between sexual dysfunctions and psychopathology were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO from inception until June 16, 2022. The study methods were entered in the international register of systematic reviews PROSPERO (2021, CRD42021223410).

Outcomes

The main outcome measures were sexual dysfunction and sexual satisfaction.

Results

Twenty-four studies were identified, including a total of 1199 patients. These studies focused on depressive disorders (n = 9 studies), anxiety disorders (n = 7), obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD) (n = 5), schizophrenia (n = 4), and posttraumatic stress disorder (n = 2). No studies on bipolar disorder were found. Reported prevalence rates of sexual dysfunction in psychiatric disorders were 45% to 93% for depressive disorders, 33% to 75% for anxiety disorders, 25% to 81% for OCD, and 25% for schizophrenia. The most affected phase of the sexual response cycle was sexual desire, in both men and women with depressive disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. Patients with OCD and anxiety disorders most frequently reported dysfunction in the orgasm phase, 24% to 44% and 7% to 48%, respectively.

Clinical Implications

The high prevalence of sexual dysfunction requires more clinical attention by means of psychoeducation, clinical guidance, sexual anamnesis, and additional sexological treatment.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first systematic review on sexual dysfunction in psychotropic-free and somatic disease–free psychiatric patients. Limitations include the small number of studies, small sample sizes, the use of multiple questionnaires (some not validated), which may contribute to bias.

Conclusion

A limited number of studies identified a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with a psychiatric disorder, with substantial variation between patient groups in frequency and phase of reported sexual dysfunction.
Contrasting sap flow characteristics between pioneer and late-successional tree species in secondary tropical montane forests of Eastern Himalaya, India
Authors: Kumar Manish , Joseph Gladwin , Bhutia Yangchenla , Krishnaswamy Jagdish
Published: June 2023

The interactive role of life-history traits and environmental factors on plant water relations is crucial for understanding the responses of species to climate change, but it remains poorly understood in secondary tropical montane forests (TMFs). In this study, we examined differences in sap flow between the pioneer species Symplocos racemosa and Eurya acuminata, and the late-successional species Castanopsis hystrix that co-occur in a biodiverse Eastern Himalayan secondary broadleaved TMF. The fast-growing pioneers had sap flux densities that were 1.6–2.1 times higher than the late-successional species, and exhibited characteristics of long-lived pioneer species. Significant radial and azimuthal variability in sap flow (V) between species was observed and could be attributed to the life-history trait and the access of the canopy to sunlight. Nocturnal V was 13.8% of the daily total and was attributable to stem recharge during the evening period (18.00–23.00 h) and to endogenous stomatal controls during the pre-dawn period (00.00–05.00 h). The shallow-rooted pioneer species both exhibited midday depression in V that was attributable to photosensitivity and diel moisture stress responses. In contrast, the deep-rooted late-successional species showed unaffected transpiration across the dry season, indicating their access to groundwater. Thus, our results suggest that secondary broadleaved TMFs, with a dominance of shallow-rooted pioneers, are more prone to the negative impacts of drier and warmer winters than primary forests, which are dominated by deep-rooted species. Our study provides an empirical understanding of how life-history traits coupled with microclimate can modulate plant water use in the widely distributed secondary TMFs in Eastern Himalaya, and highlights their vulnerability to warmer winters and reduced winter precipitation due to climate change.
Antibacterial activity of barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens) against periodontopathogens and cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts
Authors: de Melo Raquel N , de Goes Vivian F F , Canelli Amanda P , de Aro Andrea A , Moreira Bruno O , Correia Jennifer R , Catirse Alma B C E B , dos Reis Andréa C , Costa Sérgio Marques , de Godoi Ana P T
Published: June 2023

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the growth-inhibitory effects against periodontal disease-causing bacteria and cytotoxic effects against mouse fibroblast cells of the Stryphnodendron adstringens (barbatimão) hydroalcoholic extract. The contents of phenols and tannins in the extract were determined. The growth-inhibitory activity of the barbatimão was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The viability of fibroblast cells was analyzed using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay at 24 and 48 h post-treatment. The MIC values of the extract against Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum were 0.05, 0.125, and 2 mg mL−1, respectively, while the MBC values were 4, 2, and 2 mg mL−1, respectively. The viability rate of barbatimão (0.25 mg mL−1)-treated L929 cells was higher than that of chlorhexidine (0.12%)-treated L929 cells at 48 h post-treatment. The contents of total phenolics and total tannins in the extract were 837.39 ± 0.10 and 785.82 ± 0.14 mg of tannic acid equivalent per gram of the extract, respectively. These findings indicate that the barbatimão hydroalcoholic extract, which exerted potent growth-inhibitory effects against the test microbial species and low cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts, has potential applications in the development of novel mouthwash products.
A logical framework to model software development by multiple agents following a common specification
Authors: Pitsiladis Georgios V , Stefaneas Petros S
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we address modelling program development by multiple different programmers (or programming teams) who work in different settings (programming languages or reasoning frameworks) but follow a common specification. After consideration of some philosophical issues regarding program development, including its similarities and dissimilarities with scientific theorizing, we extend a logical framework built to describe scientific theorizing in relativist settings: our extensions add the ability of reasoning about programs, the iterative process of their generation and their specifications. We are thus able to use the framework in order to make a first step towards examining at an abstract level the problem of translatability between the programs produced by program generators, by defining a notion of translation between the outputs of program generators and proving that there is such a (trivial) translation when two program generators follow the same specification reliably (in a specific sense of reliability).
Decomposition approaches for scheduling chronic outpatients’ clinical pathways in Answer Set Programming
Authors: Cappanera Paola , Gavanelli Marco , Nonato Maddalena , Roma Marco
Published: June 2023

Chronic patients suffering from non-communicable diseases are often enrolled into a diagnostic and therapeutic care program featuring a personalized care plan. Healthcare is mostly provided at the patient’s home, but those examinations and treatments that must be delivered at the hospital have to be explicitly booked. Booking is not trivial due to, on the one hand, the several time constraints that become particularly tight in the case of comorbidity, on the other hand, the limited availability of both staff and equipment at the hospital care units. This suggests that the scheduling of the clinical pathways for enrolled outpatients should be managed in a centralized manner, taking advantage of the fact that demand for services is known well in advance. The aim is to serve as many requests as possible (unattended requests are supplied by contracted private health facilities) in a timely manner, taking patients priority into account. Booking involves setting a date and a time for each selected health service, which is rather complex. In this work, we provide a declarative approach by encoding the problem in Answer Set Programming (ASP). In order to improve the scalability of the ASP approach, we present and compare two heuristic approaches, respectively based on service demand and time decomposition. All approaches are tested on instances of increasing size to assess scalability with respect to time horizon and number of requests.