bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft genome sequence of extracellular enzyme-producing
Bacillus paralicheniformis
strain NBG-07
Authors: Ramzan Rubab , Ali Asad , Farooq Muhammad , Ali Hazrat , Khaliq Shazia , Rashid Muhammad Hamid
Published: June 2024

The genome of
Bacillus paralicheniformis
strain NBG-07 was sequenced using Illumina sequencing due to its ability to produce thermostable enzymes of industrial importance. The strain was isolated from the soil. Annotation of the draft genome revealed genes involved in the production of different enzymes, including alpha-amylase, protease, cellulase, and laccase.
Whole genome sequencing of low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (H6N2) detected from a Brazilian teal (
Amazonnetta brasiliensis
) in Brazil, 2023
Authors: Araujo Andreina de Carvalho , Cho Andrew Yong , Silva Laura Morais Nascimento , Port Dagoberto , Demoliner Meriane , Gularte Juliana Schons , Filippi Micheli , Pereira Vyctoria Malayhka de Abreu Goes , Fisch Fabiane , Palameta Soledad , de Araújo Jansen , Branco Joaquim Olinto , Durigon Edison L. , Arns Clarice Weis , Lee Sun-Hak , Rosado Spilki Fernando , Lee Dong-Hun , Ferreira Helena Lage
Published: June 2024

The whole genome sequence of a low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (H6N2) was sequenced from a Brazilian teal (
Amazonetta brasiliensis
) in Brazil, 2023. Phylogenetic analysis of the whole genome revealed a distinct genome pertaining to South American LPAIV from 2014 to 2016, indicating extensive circulation among South American wild birds.
Draft genome of
Bacillus subtilis
sp. strain UAMC isolated from agricultural soil with historical use of pesticides in Argentina
Authors: Casanova Adriana , Esquivel-Hernández Diego A. , Reyes-Duarte Dolores , Hernández Sergio , Ortíz Irmene
Published: June 2024

To understand microbial metabolism in horticultural soils exposed to pesticides, genome sequencing of
Bacillus subtilis
sp. strain UAMC was performed. A total of 7,892 genes distributed across 40 contigs were identified. Among these, those related to the degradation of endosulfan such as FMNH
2
monooxygenase, or cytochrome p450 stand out.
The zinc cluster transcription factor Znc1 regulates Rta3-dependent miltefosine resistance in
Candida albicans
Authors: Ramírez-Zavala Bernardo , Krüger Ines , Schwanfelder Sonja , Barker Katherine S. , Rogers P. David , Morschhäuser Joachim
Published: June 2024

Zinc cluster transcription factors (ZCFs) are a family of transcription regulators that are almost exclusively found in the fungal kingdom. Activating mutations in the ZCFs Mrr1, Tac1, and Upc2 frequently cause acquired resistance to the widely used antifungal drug fluconazole in the pathogenic yeast
Candida albicans
. Similar to a hyperactive Tac1, a constitutively active form of the ZCF Znc1 causes increased fluconazole resistance by upregulating the multidrug efflux pump-encoding gene
CDR1
. Hyperactive forms of both Tac1 and Znc1 also cause overexpression of
RTA3
, which encodes a seven-transmembrane receptor protein involved in the regulation of asymmetric lipid distribution in the plasma membrane.
RTA3
expression is also upregulated by miltefosine, an antiparasitic drug that is active against fungal pathogens and considered for treatment of invasive candidiasis, and
rta3
Δ mutants are hypersensitive to miltefosine. We found that activated forms of both Tac1 and Znc1 confer increased miltefosine resistance, which was dependent on
RTA3
whereas
CDR1
was dispensable. Intriguingly, the induction of
RTA3
expression by miltefosine depended on Znc1, but not Tac1, in contrast to the known Tac1-dependent
RTA3
upregulation by fluphenazine. In line with this observation,
znc1
Δ mutants were hypersensitive to miltefosine, whereas
tac1
Δ mutants showed wild-type tolerance. Forced expression of
RTA3
reverted the hypersensitivity of
znc1
Δ mutants, demonstrating that the hypersensitivity was caused by the inability of the mutants to upregulate
RTA3
in response to the drug. These findings establish Znc1 as a key regulator of miltefosine-induced
RTA3
expression that is important for wild-type miltefosine tolerance.

IMPORTANCE

Transcription factors are central regulators of gene expression, and knowledge about which transcription factor regulates specific genes in response to a certain signal is important to understand the behavior of organisms. In the pathogenic yeast
Candida albicans
, the
RTA3
gene is required for wild-type tolerance of miltefosine, an antiparasitic drug that is considered for treatment of invasive candidiasis. Activated forms of the transcription factors Tac1 and Znc1 cause constitutive overexpression of
RTA3
and thereby increased miltefosine resistance, but only Tac1 mediates upregulation of
RTA3
in response to the known inducer fluphenazine.
RTA3
expression is also induced by miltefosine, and we found that this response depends on Znc1, whereas Tac1 is dispensable. Consequently,
znc1
Δ mutants were hypersensitive to miltefosine, whereas
tac1
Δ mutants showed wild-type tolerance. These findings demonstrate that Znc1 is the key regulator of
RTA3
expression in response to miltefosine that is important for wild-type miltefosine tolerance.
Dynamics of the viral community on the surface of a French smear-ripened cheese during maturation and persistence across production years
Authors: Paillet Thomas , Lamy-Besnier Quentin , Figueroa Clarisse , Petit Marie-Agnès , Dugat-Bony Eric
Published: June 2024

The surface of smear-ripened cheeses constitutes a dynamic microbial ecosystem resulting from the successive development of different microbial groups such as lactic acid bacteria, fungi, and ripening bacteria. Recent studies indicate that a viral community, mainly composed of bacteriophages, also represents a common and substantial part of the cheese microbiome. However, the composition of this community, its temporal variations, and associations between bacteriophages and their hosts remain poorly characterized. Here, we studied a French smear-ripened cheese by both viral metagenomics and 16S metabarcoding approaches to assess both the succession of phages and bacterial communities on the cheese surface during cheese ripening and their temporal variations in ready-to-eat cheeses over the years of production. We observed a clear transition of the phage community structure during ripening with a decreased relative abundance of viral species (vOTUs) associated with
Lactococcus
phages, which were replaced by vOTUs associated with phages infecting ripening bacteria such as
Brevibacterium, Glutamicibacter, Pseudoalteromonas,
and
Vibrio
. The dynamics of the phage community was strongly associated with bacterial successions observed on the cheese surface. Finally, while some variations in the distribution of phages were observed in ready-to-eat cheeses produced at different dates spanning more than 4 years of production, the most abundant phages were detected throughout. This result revealed the long-term persistence of the dominant phages in the cheese production environment. Together, these findings offer novel perspectives on the ecology of bacteriophages in smear-ripened cheese and emphasize the significance of incorporating bacteriophages in the microbial ecology studies of fermented foods.

IMPORTANCE

The succession of diverse microbial populations is critical for ensuring the production of high-quality cheese. We observed a temporal succession of phages on the surface of a smear-ripened cheese, with new phage communities showing up when ripening bacteria start covering this surface. Interestingly, the final phage community of this cheese is also consistent over large periods of time, as the same bacteriophages were found in cheese products from the same manufacturer made over 4 years. This research highlights the importance of considering these bacteriophages when studying the microbial life of fermented foods like cheese.
My Search for Belonging: An Anxious Journey through Gender and Geology
Authors: Bosch Rachel
Published: June 2024

In this story, I share with you my identities that have contributed to my feelings of otherness, alienation, and marginalization. These identities are my gender—broadly nonbinary, ranging from agender to genderflux—and mental illness diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder. At various times in my life, these identities have been more prominent and played a greater role in my career path as a geoscientist. This chapter is loosely structured chronologically, beginning with memories from childhood and how they shaped who I am and my interest in science. I discuss my experiences in the educational system, beginning in public schools, taking more than 15 years to complete my M.S., and then earning my Ph.D. as a nontraditional student. I now use that position to advocate for others. In sharing the lessons that I have learned along the way, I hope that my story will help someone feel less alone and ease their path. Additionally, these lessons are intended to support advocates for equity, diversity, and inclusion to become stronger allies for LGBTQ+ folks and people with nonapparent disabilities, such as some mental illnesses.
Supplemental Material: Updating the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) Two Medicine Formation of Montana: Lithostratigraphic revisions, new CA-ID-TIMS U-Pb ages, and a calibrated framework for dinosaur occurrences
Authors: Rogers Raymond R. , et al.
Published: June 2024

Table S1: U-Pb isotopic data for zircon analyses from Campanian bentonites of the Two Medicine Formation, Montana.
Antiplatelet therapy after coronary artery bypass surgery: five year follow-up of randomised DACAB trial
Authors: Zhu Yunpeng , Zhang Wei , Dimagli Arnaldo , Han Lin , Cheng Zhaoyun , Mei Ju , Chen Xin , Wang Xiaowei , Zhou Yanzai , Xue Qing , Hu Junlong , Tang Min , Wang Rui , Song Yuanyuan , Kang Lei , Redfors Bjorn , Gaudino Mario , Zhao Qiang
Published: June 2024

Objective

To assess the effect of different antiplatelet strategies on clinical outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Design

Five year follow-up of randomised Different Antiplatelet Therapy Strategy After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (DACAB) trial.

Setting

Six tertiary hospitals in China; enrolment between July 2014 and November 2015; completion of five year follow-up from August 2019 to June 2021.

Participants

500 patients aged 18-80 years (including 91 (18.2%) women) who had elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery and completed the DACAB trial.

Interventions

Patients were randomised 1:1:1 to ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily plus aspirin 100 mg once daily (dual antiplatelet therapy; n=168), ticagrelor monotherapy 90 mg twice daily (n=166), or aspirin monotherapy 100 mg once daily (n=166) for one year after surgery. After the first year, antiplatelet therapy was prescribed according to standard of care by treating physicians.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (a composite of all cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularisation), analysed using the intention-to-treat principle. Time-to-event analysis was used to compare the risk between treatment groups. Multiple post hoc sensitivity analyses examined the robustness of the findings.

Results

Follow-up at five years for major adverse cardiovascular events was completed for 477 (95.4%) of 500 patients; 148 patients had major adverse cardiovascular events, including 39 in the dual antiplatelet therapy group, 54 in the ticagrelor monotherapy group, and 55 in the aspirin monotherapy group. Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events at five years was significantly lower with dual antiplatelet therapy versus aspirin monotherapy (22.6%
v
29.9%; hazard ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.43 to 0.99; P=0.04) and versus ticagrelor monotherapy (22.6%
v
32.9%; 0.66, 0.44 to 1.00; P=0.05). Results were consistent in all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Treatment with ticagrelor dual antiplatelet therapy for one year after surgery reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events at five years after coronary artery bypass grafting compared with aspirin monotherapy or ticagrelor monotherapy.

Trial registration

NCT03987373ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT03987373
.
Maternal and child health intervention to promote behaviour change: a population-level cluster-randomised controlled trial in Honduras
Authors: Oles William , Alexander Marcus , Negron Rennie , Nelson Jennifer , Iriarte Emma , Airoldi Edoardo M. , Christakis Nicholas A. , Forastiere Laura
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To assess the efficacy of a sustained educational intervention to affect diverse outcomes across the pregnancy and infancy timeline.

Setting

A multi-arm cluster-randomised controlled trial in 99 villages in Honduras’ Copán region, involving 16 301 people in 5633 households from October 2015 to December 2019.

Participants

Residents aged 12 and older were eligible. A photographic census involved 93% of the population, with 13 881 and 10 263 individuals completing baseline and endline surveys, respectively.

Intervention

22-month household-based counselling intervention aiming to improve practices, knowledge and attitudes related to maternal, neonatal and child health.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcomes were prenatal/postnatal care behaviours, facility births, exclusive breast feeding, parental involvement, treatment of diarrhoea and respiratory illness, reproductive health, and gender/reproductive norms. Secondary outcomes were knowledge and attitudes related to the primary outcomes.

Results

Parents targeted for the intervention were 16.4% (95% CI 3.1%–29.8%, p=0.016) more likely to have their newborn’s health checked in a health facility within 3 days of birth; 19.6% (95% CI 4.2%–35.1%, p=0.013) more likely to not wrap a fajero around the umbilical cord in the first week after birth; and 8.9% (95% CI 0.3%–17.5%, p=0.043) more likely to report that the mother breast fed immediately after birth. Changes in knowledge and attitudes related to these primary outcomes were also observed. We found no significant effect on various other practices.

Conclusion

A sustained counselling intervention delivered in the home setting by community health workers can meaningfully change practices, knowledge and attitudes related to proper newborn care following birth, including professional care-seeking, umbilical cord care and breast feeding.

Trial registration number

NCT02694679.
Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in Norwegian outpatients with mild to severe myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): protocol for a 12-month randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Skjevling Linn , Goll Rasmus , Hanssen Hege Marie , Johnsen Peter Holger
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The observed alteration of the intestinal microbiota in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and the effect of transferring a healthy gut flora from a faecal donor using a faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) will be explored in this trial.

Methods and analysis

This is a protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, single-centre trial, with 12 months follow-up. 80 participants will be included and randomised (1:1:2) to either donor FMT (from two different donors) or placebo (autologous FMT). Participants will be included by the International Clinical Criteria for ME/CFS. The clinical measures of ME/CFS and disease activity include Modified DePaul Questionnaire, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), ROMA IV criteria, Food Frequency Questionnaire, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, heart rate variability testing and reports on the use of antibiotics and food supplements, as well as biobanking of blood, urine and faeces.

The primary endpoint is proportion with treatment success in FSS score in donor versus autologous FMT group 3 months after treatment. Treatment success is defined as an FSS improvement of more than 1.2 points from baseline at 3 months after treatment. Adverse events will be registered throughout the study.

Ethics and dissemination

The Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics Northern Norway has approved the study. The study has commenced in May 2019. Findings will be disseminated in international peer-reviewed journal(s), submitted to relevant conferences, and trial participants will be informed via phone calls.

Trial registration number

NCT03691987.
Efficacy and safety of SBRT combined with sintilimab and IBI305 in patients with advanced HCC and previously failed immunotherapy: study protocol of a phase 2 clinical trial
Authors: Zhang Jinfeng , Yang Yongqiang , Wu Zilong , Zhang Sisi , Lin Zhenyu , Liu Hongli , Hu Jianli , Zhang Tao , Tang Jing , Xue Jun
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in China. The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and antiangiogenic drugs, such as bevacizumab and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, has been recommended as first-line treatment for advanced HCC. However, two-thirds of patients did not benefit from this form of immunotherapy. Currently, data on the subsequent regimen for patients previously treated with ICIs are lacking. Studies have shown that the combination of radiotherapy (RT) and ICIs is a potentially effective second-line therapy for HCC. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of combined therapy with stereotactic body RT (SBRT), sintilimab and IBI305 (a biosimilar of bevacizumab) in patients with HCC following the progression of first-line ICI therapy.

Methods and analysis

This study is an open-label, single-arm, single-centre, phase 2 trial of 21 patients with advanced HCC in whom previous ICI therapy has failed. Participants will receive approximately 30–40 Gy/5–8F SBRT, followed by 200 mg sintilimab and 15 mg/kg IBI305 intravenously every 3 weeks. Treatment will continue until the development of unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. We will use Simon’s two-stage design, with the objective response rate (ORR) as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints include ORR of lesions without RT, disease control rate, progression-free survival, overall survival and safety.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was authorised by the Medical Ethics Committee. Dissemination of results will occur via a peer-reviewed publication and other relevant media.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200056068.
Cancer patients’ perceptions of the meaning in life: a protocol for a meta-synthesis of qualitative research
Authors: Wang Shuman , Zheng Mimi , Xu Wenjie , Zhang Lijuan , Zhu Yu , Wan Hongwei
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The onset of cancer compels patients to grapple with existential questions. Enabling individuals with cancer, irrespective of the disease stage, to experience meaningful lives is of utmost importance in enhancing their overall quality of life. This study will synthesise qualitative research evidence to understand cancer patients’ perceptions and perspectives regarding their meaning in life. Such insights ultimately contribute to enhancing the profound experience of meaning throughout the life course of cancer patients.

Methods and analysis

The English and Chinese databases we will search include the Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMbase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals. Two independent reviewers will assess the quality of the included studies using the standard JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research and extract data using the standard JBI Data Extraction Tool for Qualitative Research. The JBI meta-aggregation approach will be employed to compare, analyse and summarise the original results. To enhance confidence in the synthesised results of the qualitative study, the final synthesised study results will be graded using the JBI ConQual approach.

Ethics and dissemination

External ethical approval is not necessary for this review since it involves a retrospective analysis of publicly available primary data through secondary analysis. The findings of the review will be disseminated by publishing them in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023447664.
Heparin-binding protein as a biomarker for the diagnosis of sepsis in the intensive care unit: a retrospective cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Zuo Lingyun , Li Xiaoyun , Wang Luhao , Yuan Hao , Liao Zihuai , Zhou Si , Wu Jianfeng , Guan Xiangdong , Liu Yongjun
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of heparin-binding protein (HBP) in sepsis and develop a sepsis diagnostic model incorporating HBP with key biomarkers and disease-related scores for rapid, and accurate diagnosis of sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Design

Clinical retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

A comprehensive teaching tertiary hospital in China.

Participants

Adult patients (aged ≥18 years) who underwent HBP testing or whose blood samples were collected when admitted to the ICU.

Main outcome measures

HBP, C reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cell count (WBC), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lactate (LAC), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score were recorded.

Results

Between March 2019 and December 2021, 326 patients were enrolled in this study. The patients were categorised into a non-infection group (control group), infection group, sepsis group and septic shock group based on the final diagnosis. The HBP levels in the sepsis group and septic shock group were 45.7 and 69.0 ng/mL, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (18.0 ng/mL) and infection group (24.0 ng/mL) (p<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) value of HBP for diagnosing sepsis was 0.733, which was lower than those corresponding to PCT, CRP and SOFA but higher than those of IL-6, LAC and APACHE II. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified HBP, PCT, CRP, IL-6 and SOFA as valuable indicators for diagnosing sepsis. A sepsis diagnostic model was constructed based on these indicators, with an AUC of 0.901, a sensitivity of 79.7% and a specificity of 86.9%.

Conclusions

HBP could serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis of sepsis in the ICU. Compared with single indicators, the sepsis diagnostic model constructed using HBP, PCT, CRP, IL-6 and SOFA further enhanced the diagnostic performance of sepsis.
ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the therapy for REfractory Septic shock with Cardiac function Under Estimated (ECMO-RESCUE): study protocol for a prospective, multicentre, non-randomised cohort study
Authors: Chen Wei-yan , Guo Ze-bin , Kong Tian-yu , Chen Wei-xiao , Chen Xiao-hua , Yang Qilin , Wen Yi-chao , Wen Qi-rui , Zhou Feng , Xiong Xu-ming , Wen De-liang , Zhang Zhen-hui
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Severe septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) is one of the main causes of refractory septic shock (RSS), with a high mortality. The application of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support the impaired cardiac function in patients with septic shock remains controversial. Moreover, no prospective studies have been taken to address whether venoarterial ECMO treatment could improve the outcome of patients with sepsis-induced cardiogenic shock. The objective of this study is to assess whether venoarterial ECMO treatment can improve the 30-day survival rate of patients with sepsis-induced refractory cardiogenic shock.

Methods and analysis

ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the therapy for REfractory Septic shock with Cardiac function Under Estimated is a prospective, multicentre, non-randomised, cohort study on the application of ECMO in SCM. At least 64 patients with SCM and RSS will be enrolled in an estimated ratio of 1:1.5. Participants taking venoarterial ECMO during the period of study are referred to as cohort 1, and patients receiving only conventional therapy without ECMO belong to cohort 2. The primary outcome is survival in a 30-day follow-up period. Other end points include survival to intensive care unit (ICU) discharge, hospital survival, 6-month survival, quality of life for long-term survival (EQ-5D score), successful rate of ECMO weaning, long-term survivors’ cardiac function, the number of days alive without continuous renal replacement therapy, mechanical ventilation and vasopressor, ICU and hospital length of stay, the rate of complications potentially related to ECMO treatment.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has been approved by the Clinical Research and Application Institutional Review Board of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (2020-hs-51). Participants will be screened and enrolled from ICU patients with septic shock by clinicians, with no public advertisement for recruitment. Results will be disseminated in research journals and through conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT05184296.
“When you’re hurt and you need serious help you call 999.” Educating children about emergency services and appropriate use of 999: An evaluation study of the Blue Light Hub app
Authors: Paine Amy L , Maclean Fiona
Published: June 2024

Objectives

In the face of unprecedented demand, the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust developed ‘Blue Light Hub’: a new app to educate primary school-aged children about emergency services. Our overarching aim was to examine the effectiveness of the app.

Design

Primary school-aged children from three schools in South Wales, UK, played with the app for 2 hours over 2 weeks in class time. Children completed quizzes to assess their knowledge and awareness of, and confidence in engaging with, emergency services before and after using the app.

Participants

Our evaluation focused on N=393 children who completed both the pre-test and post-test quizzes. On average, children were 8–9 years old (median school year, Year 4); 47.8% were male and 50.9% were female.

Results

After using the app, there was a significant increase in the proportion of children who knew of appropriate actions to take in non-emergency scenarios, χ2(1) = 26.01, and could provide a question a call handler would ask them if they called 999, χ2(1) = 13.79. There was also an increase in the proportion of children who could identify an National Health Service (NHS) service that could help them if they were unwell, χ2(1) = 33.31, name different roles in the NHS, χ2(1) = 12.80 and knew how dialling 111 could help them χ2(1) = 90.05 (all p values<0.001).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, Blue Light Hub is the first app of its kind designed to educate primary school-aged children about emergency services. Our findings provide preliminary evidence that the app supports children’s knowledge and awareness of emergency services.
Association of parental obesity with the profile of metabolic-bariatric surgery patients: a cohort study of the German StuDoQ|MBE registry
Authors: Herrmann Stephan , Fink Mira , Fagnocchi Luca , Matsuo Koji , Fink Jodok , Lässle Claudia , Marjanovic Goran , Fichtner-Feigl Stefan , Pospisilik J Andrew , Seifert Gabriel
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To investigate the association of parental obesity (PO) with onset of obesity, pre-surgical disease duration and body mass index (BMI) at the time of surgery in patients undergoing metabolic-bariatric surgery (MBS).

Design

This is a cohort study of the German StuDoQ registry for metabolic-bariatric diseases. All surgical cases from initiation of the registry in September 2015 until August 2020 were screened for pertinent information.

Setting

The registry is based on participating German hospitals of various sizes.

Participants

A total of 11 891 patients were included in this analysis, 74.2% of which were females and 25.8% males. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed in 5652 (47.5%) cases, sleeve gastrectomy in 4618 (38.8%) cases and one-anastomosis gastric bypass in 1621 (13.6%) cases.

Results

One-sided and two-sided PO are independently associated with early-onset obesity (OR 1.61, [95% CI, 1.47 to 1.76], p<0.001 and OR 2.45, [95% CI, 2.22 to 2.71], p<0.001) and prolonged pre-surgical disease duration (regression coefficient 2.39, [95% CI, 1.93 to 2.83], p<0.001 and regression coefficient 4.27, [95% CI, 3.80 to 4.75], p<0.001). Unlike one-sided PO, two-sided PO had a significant association with BMI at the time of surgery (regression coefficient 0.49, [95% CI, 0.14 to 0.85], p=0.006). Age at the onset of obesity and disease duration had a negative association with BMI at the time of surgery (regression coefficient −0.13, [95% CI, −0.14 to −0.11], p<0.001 and regression coefficient −0.05, [95% CI, −0.07 to −0.04], p<0.001).

Conclusions

This study established a clear association between PO status of patients undergoing MBS and their pre-surgical patient profile as well as known risk factors for poor postoperative response.
Zipime-Weka-Schista study protocol: a longitudinal cohort study and economic evaluation of an integrated home-based approach for genital multipathogen screening in women, including female genital schistosomiasis, human papillomavirus, Trichomonas and HIV in Zambia
Authors: Shanaube Kwame , Ndubani Rhoda , Kelly Helen , Webb Emily , Mayaud Philippe , Lamberti Olimpia , Fitzpatrick Jennifer , Kasese Nkatya , Sturt Amy , Van Lieshout Lisette , Van Dam Govert , Corstjens Paul L A M , Kosloff Barry , Bond Virginia , Hayes Richard , Terris-Prestholt Fern , Webster Bonnie , Vwalika Bellington , Hansingo Isaiah , Ayles Helen , Bustinduy Amaya L
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Multiplathogen home-based self-sampling offers an opportunity to increase access to screening and treatment in endemic settings with high coinfection prevalence of sexually transmitted (HIV,Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv),human papillomavirus (HPV)) and non-sexually transmitted pathogens (Schistosoma haematobium (Sh)). Chronic coinfections may lead to disability (female genital schistosomiasis) and death (cervical cancer). The Zipime-Weka-Schista (Do self-testing sister!) study aims to evaluate the validity, acceptability, uptake, impact and cost-effectiveness of multipathogen self-sampling for genital infections among women in Zambia.

Methods and analysis

This is a longitudinal cohort study aiming to enrol 2500 non-pregnant, sexually active and non-menstruating women aged 15–50 years from two districts in Zambia with 2-year follow-up. During home visits, community health workers offer HIV andTvself-testing and cervicovaginal self-swabs for (1) HPV by GeneXpert and, (2)ShDNA detection by conventional (PCR)and isothermal (recombinase polymerase assay) molecular methods.Schistosomaova and circulating anodic antigen are detected in urine. At a clinic follow-up, midwives perform the same procedures and obtain hand-held colposcopic images. High-risk HPV positive women are referred for a two-quadrant cervical biopsy according to age and HIV status. A cost-effectiveness analysis is conducted in parallel.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of Zambia Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (UNZABREC) (reference: 1858-2021), the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (reference: 25258), Ministry of Health and local superintendents approved the study in September 2021.Written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to enrolment. Identifiable data collected are stored securely and their confidentiality is protected in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Ontario physicians: a descriptive population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Cheng-Wei , Jeyakumar Nivethika , McArthur Eric , Sontrop Jessica M , Myran Daniel T , Schwartz Kevin L , Sood Manish M , Tanuseputro Peter , Garg Amit X
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To determine COVID-19 vaccine uptake among physicians in Ontario, Canada from 14 December 2020 to 13 February 2022.

Design

Population-based retrospective cohort study.

Setting

All registered physicians in Ontario, Canada using data from linked provincial administrative healthcare databases.

Participants

41 267 physicians (including postgraduate trainees) who were Ontario residents and registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario were included. Physicians who were out of province, had not accessed Ontario Health Insurance Plan-insured services for their own care for ≥5 years and those with missing identifiers were excluded.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcomes were the proportions of physicians who were recorded to have received at least one, at least two and three doses of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine by study end date. Secondary outcomes were how uptake varied by physician characteristics (including age, sex, specialty and residential location) and time elapsed between doses.

Results

Of 41 267 physicians, (56% male, mean age 47 years), 39 359 (95.4%) received at least one dose, 39 148 (94.9%) received at least two doses and 35 834 (86.8%) received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Of those who received three doses, the proportions were 90.4% among those aged ≥60 years and 81.2–89.5% among other age groups; 88.7% among family physicians and 89% among specialists. 1908 physicians (4.6%) had no record of vaccination, and this included 3.4% of family physicians and 4.1% of specialists; however, 28% of this group had missing specialty information.

Conclusions

In Ontario, within 14 months of COVID-19 vaccine availability, 86.8% of physicians had three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 45.6% of the general population. Findings may signify physicians’ confidence in the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
Expert consensus on a protocol for conducting bibliometric analysis of scientific articles on global migration health (GMH)
Authors: Pernitez-Agan Sweetmavourneen , Bautista Mary Ann Cruz , Lopez Janice , Sampson Margaret , Kapilashrami Anuj , Garabiles Melissa , Hui Charles , Babu Bontha , Aziz Roomi , Jordan Lucy P , Mondres Teddy Rowell U , Lebanan May Antonnette , Wickramage Kolitha
Published: June 2024

Background

Migration and health are key priorities in global health and essential for protecting and promoting the health of migrants. To better understand the existing evidence on migration health, it is critical to map the research publication activity and evidence on the health of migrants and mobile populations. This paper presents a search strategy protocol for a bibliometric analysis of scientific articles on global migration health (GMH), leveraging the expertise of a global network of researchers and academics. The protocol aims to facilitate the mapping of research and evidence on the health of international migrants and their families, including studies on human mobility across international borders.

Methods

A systematic search strategy using Scopus will be developed to map scientific articles on GMH. The search strategy will build upon a previous bibliometric study and will have two main search components: (1) ‘international migrant population’, covering specific movements across international borders, and (2) ‘health’. The final search strategy will be implemented to determine the final set of articles to be screened for the bibliometric analysis. Title and abstract screening will exclude irrelevant articles and classify the relevant articles according to predefined themes and subthemes. A combination of the following approaches will be used in screening: applying full automation (ie, DistillerSR’s machine learning tool) and/or semiautomation (ie, EndNote, MS Excel) tools, and manual screening. The relevant articles will be analysed using MS Excel, Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, which creates a visual mapping of the research publication activity around GMH. This protocol is developed in collaboration with academic researchers and policymakers from the Global South, and a network of migration health and research experts, with guidance from a bibliometrics expert.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol will use publicly available data and will not directly involve human participants; an ethics review will not be required. The findings from the bibliometric analysis (and other research that can potentially arise from the protocol) will be disseminated through academic publications, conferences and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to inform policies and interventions aimed at improving the health of international migrants and their families.
Using cerebrospinal fluid nanopore sequencing assay to diagnose tuberculous meningitis: a retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Zhou Lihong , Zou Xingwu , Yong Yan , Hu Qin
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of nanopore sequencing for the early diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) using cerebrospinal fluid and compared it with acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear, mycobacterial growth indicator tube culture and XpertMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)/rifampicin (RIF).

Design

Single-centre retrospective study.

Setting

The Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Zhejiang Chinese and Western Medicine Integrated Hospital.

Participants

We enrolled 64 adult patients with presumptive TBM admitted to our hospital from August 2021 to August 2023.

Methods

We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of AFB smear, culture, Xpert MTB/RIF and nanopore sequencing to evaluate their diagnostic efficacy compared with a composite reference standard for TBM.

Results

Among these 64 patients, all tested negative for TBM by AFB smear. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 11.11%, 100%, 100% and 32.2% for culture, 13.33%, 100%, 100% and 2.76% for Xpert MTB/RIF, and 77.78%, 100%, 100% and 65.52% for nanopore sequencing, respectively.

Conclusion

The diagnostic accuracy of the nanopore sequencing test was significantly higher than that of conventional testing methods used to detect TBM.
Exploring the landscape of oesophageal discontinuity procedures and creation of cervical oesophagostomy in the modern era: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Bondzi-Simpson Adom , Benipal Harsukh , Momoh Hassan , Matei Andreea Cristina , Wakeam Elliot
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Oesophageal discontinuity remains a challenge for thoracic and foregut surgeons globally. Whether arising emergently after catastrophic oesophageal or gastric disruption or arising in the elective setting in the case of staged reconstruction for esophagectomy or long gap atresia in the paediatric population, comprehensive review of this patient population remains unexplored within the surgical literature.

The goal of this scoping review is to map the landscape of literature exploring the creation and takedown of cervical oesophagostomy with the intent to answer four questions (1) What are the primary indications for oesophageal discontinuity procedures? (2) What are the disease-specific and healthcare utilisation outcomes for oesophageal discontinuity procedures? (3) What is the primary indication for reversal procedures? (4) What are the disease-specific and healthcare utilisation outcomes for reversal procedures?

Methods

This review will follow the Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework for scoping reviews. Paediatric (<18 years old) and adult (>18 years old) patients, who have received a cervical oesophagostomy in the context of a gastrointestinal discontinuity procedure or those who have had reversal of a cervical oesophagostomy, will be included for analysis. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases for papers from 1990 until 2023. Interventional trials, prospective and retrospective observational studies, reviews, case series and qualitative study designs will be included. Two authors will independently review all titles, abstracts and full texts to determine which studies meet the inclusion criteria.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics approval is required for this review. Results will be disseminated through scientific presentations and relevant conferences targeted for researchers examining upper gastrointestinal/foregut surgery.

Registration details

This protocol is registered with Open Science Framework (osf.io/s3b4g).
Exploring the research needs, barriers and facilitators to the collection of biological data in adolescence for mental health research: a scoping review protocol paper
Authors: Worrell Courtney , Pollard Rebecca , Weetman Tyler , Sadiq Zara , Pieptan Maria , Brooks Gillian , Broome Matthew , Campbell Niyah , Gardner Nzinga , Harding Seeromanie , Lavis Anna , McEachan Rosemary R C , Mondelli Valeria , Morgan Craig , Nosarti Chiara , Porat Talya , Ryan David , Schmid Lea , Shire Katy , Woods Anthony , Pariante Carmine M ,   CELEBRATE Youth Expert Working Group, Dazzan Paola , Upthegrove Rachel
Published: June 2024

Introduction

While research into adolescent mental health has developed a considerable understanding of environmental and psychosocial risk factors, equivalent biological evidence is lacking and is not representative of economic, social and ethnic diversity in the adolescent population. It is important to understand the possible barriers and facilitators to conduct this research. This will then allow us to improve our understanding of how biology interacts with environmental and psychosocial risk factors during adolescence. The objective of this scoping review is to identify and understand the needs, barriers and facilitators related to the collection of biological data in adolescent mental health research.

Methods and analysis

Reviewers will conduct a systematic search of PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, ERIC, EMBASE, ProQuest, EBSCO Global Health electronic databases, relevant publications and reference lists to identify studies published in the English language at any time. This scoping review will identify published studies exploring mental health/psychopathology outcomes, with biological measures, in participants between the ages of 11 and 18 and examine the reported methodology used for data collection. Data will be summarised in tabular form with narrative synthesis and will use the methodology of Levacet al, supplemented by subsequent recommendations from the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review Methodology.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this scoping review. The scoping review will be conducted with input from patient and public involvement, specifically including young people involved in our study (‘Co-producing a framework of guiding principles for Engaging representative and diverse cohorts of young peopLE in Biological ReseArch in menTal hEalth’—www.celebrateproject.co.uk) Youth Expert Working Group. Dissemination will include publication in peer-reviewed journals, academic presentations and on the project website.
Trends in C reactive protein testing: a retrospective cohort study in paediatric ambulatory care settings
Authors: Alkhmees Mohammed , Van Den Bruel Ann , Hayward Gail , Blanker Marco H , Walker Sarah , Holtman Gea A
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This study aims to investigate C reactive protein (CRP) testing practices in paediatric ambulatory care across British primary care and accident and emergency (A&E) departments.

Design, setting, participants

This retrospective cohort study included children <18 years old having ≥1 CRP test at primary care or A&E departments in Oxfordshire between 2007 and 2021.

Outcomes

We estimated the frequency and annual changes in CRP testing in both settings and evaluated referral and admission patterns based on CRP levels: low (<20 mg/L), intermediate or high (≥80 mg/L).

Results

Over 15 years, 91 540 CRP tests were requested in 63 226 children, with 33 882 (53.6%) in primary care and 29 344 (46.4%) in A&E. Both settings showed rising trends in test requests, with average annual percentage change of 3.0% (95% CI 1.2% to 4.7%) in primary care and 11.5% (95% CI 8.6% to 14.6%) in A&E. The proportion of intermediate/high-test results remained stable. In primary care, 50 709 (95.8%) of CRP tests were <20 mg/L, with 99.0% of these children managed at home. High and intermediate CRP values increased odds of referral versus low CRP (OR adjusted for age=21.80; 95% CI 16.49 to 28.81 and 4.77; 3.78 to 6.02, respectively). At A&E, 27 610 (71.5%) children had CRP<20 mg/L, of whom 42.5% were admitted while 3776 (9.8%) had CRP≥80 mg/L with 57.9% admission rate. High and intermediate CRP values increased odds of admission versus low CRP (OR adjusted for age=1.90; 95% CI 1.78 to 2.04 and 1.39; 1.32 to 1.46, respectively).

Conclusion

There are rising trends of CRP test requests in paediatric ambulatory care settings, with no evidence of increases in proportion of intermediate/high-test results in primary care. Low CRP values at primary care were linked to children managed at home, while almost half of children with low CRP values at A&E were admitted to the hospital.
Neonatal Resuscitation Online Registry in Shenzhen: protocol for a prospective, multicentre, open, observational cohort study
Authors: Lin Hanni , Han Jing , Jiang Ping , Yu Zhangbin , Zhou Ping , Tang Hong , Ding Lu , Liu Jiebo
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Preterm birth complications and neonatal asphyxia are the leading causes of neonatal mortality worldwide. Surviving preterm and asphyxiated newborns can develop neurological sequelae; therefore, timely and appropriate neonatal resuscitation is important to decrease neonatal mortality and disability rates. There are very few systematic studies on neonatal resuscitation in China, and its prognosis remains unclear. We established an online registry for neonatal resuscitation in Shenzhen based on Utstein’s model and designed a prospective, multicentre, open, observational cohort study to address many of the limitations of existing studies. The aim of this study is to explore the implementation and management, risk factors and outcomes of neonatal resuscitation in Shenzhen.

Methods and analysis

This prospective, multicentre, open, observational cohort study will be conducted between January 2024 and December 2026 and will include >1500 newborns resuscitated at birth by positive pressure ventilation at five hospitals in Shenzhen, located in the south-central coastal area of Guangdong province, China. Maternal and infant information, resuscitation information, hospitalisation information and follow-up information will be collected. Maternal and infant information, resuscitation information and hospitalisation information will be collected from the clinical records of the patients. Follow-up information will include the results of follow-up examinations and outcomes, which will be recorded using the WeChat applet ‘Resuscitation Follow-up’. These data will be provided by the neonatal guardians through the applet on their mobile phones. This study will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the implementation and management, risk factors and outcomes of neonatal resuscitation in Shenzhen; the findings will ultimately contribute to the reduction of neonatal mortality and disability rates in Shenzhen.

Ethics and dissemination

Our protocol has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Shenzhen Luohu People’s Hospital (2023-LHQRMYY-KYLL-048). We will present the study results at academic conferences and peer-reviewed paediatrics journals.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300077368.