bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formative Evaluation of CLABSI Adoption and Sustainment Interventions in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Patton Lindsey J. , Morris Angelica , Nash Amanda , Richards Kendel , Huntington Leslie , Batchelor Lori , Harris Jenna , Young Virginia , Howe Carol J.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Pediatric patients require central venous catheters to maintain adequate hydration, nutritional status, and delivery of life-saving medications in the pediatric intensive care unit. Although central venous catheters provide critical medical therapies, their use increases the risk of severe infection, morbidity, and mortality. Adopting an evidence-based central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) bundle to guide nursing practice can decrease and sustain low CLABSI rates, but reliable and consistent implementation is challenging. This study aimed to conduct a mixed-methods formative evaluation to explore CLABSI bundle implementation strategies in a PICU.

Methods:

The team used The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to develop the interview guide and data analysis plan.

Results:

Facilitators and barriers for the CLABSI bundle occurred in four domains: inner setting, process, characteristics of individuals, and innovation characteristics in each cycle that led to recommended implementation strategy opportunities. The champion role was a major implementation strategy that facilitated the adoption and sustainment of the CLABSI bundle.

Conclusions:

Implementation Science Frameworks, such as Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), can be a beneficial framework to guide quality improvement efforts for evidence-based practices such as the CLABSI bundle. Using a champion role in the critical care setting may be an important implementation strategy for CLABSI bundle adoption and sustainment efforts.
Reducing Osteopenia of Prematurity-related Fractures in a Level IV NICU: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Cromwell Linsey , Breznak Katherine , Young Megan , Kasangottu Anoosha , Leonardo Sharon , Markel Catherine , Marinescu Andreea , Kehinde Folasade , Quinones Cardona Vilmaris
Published: April 2024

Background:

Osteopenia of prematurity (OOP) is often a silent disease in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Despite its association with increased neonatal morbidity, such as fractures, wide variation exists in screening, diagnostic, and management practices. We sought to decrease the rate of OOP-related fractures in our level IV NICU by 20% within 1 year.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary quality improvement team identified inconsistent screening, diagnosis, and management of OOP, as well as handling of at-risk patients, as primary drivers for OOP-related fractures. Using the model for improvement, we implemented sequential interventions, including screening, diagnosis, and a management algorithm as a “handle-with-care” bundle in infants at risk for fractures.

Results:

194 at-risk infants were included, 59 of whom had OOP. There was special cause variation in OOP-related fractures, with a reduction from 0.43 per 1000 patient days to 0.06 per 1000 patient days with our interventions. There was also an improvement in days between fractures from 62 to 337 days. We achieved these improvements despite a similar prevalence of OOP throughout the initiative. We showed special cause variation with increased patients between missed OOP documentation and improved collection of OOP screening laboratories at 4 weeks of life without increased blood testing.

Conclusion:

A multidisciplinary team approach with standardized OOP screening, diagnosis, and management guidelines, including a handle-with-care bundle, reduces OOP-related fractures in a level IV NICU.
Development of the Nursing Assessment Tool for the Patient With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: de Barros Jaqueline Ribeiro , Alencar Rúbia Aguiar , Saad-Hossne Rogério , Sassaki Ligia Yukie
Published: April 2024

This study aims to develop and validate a nursing assessment tool for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In this cross-sectional descriptive study using a quantitative approach, nurses were invited to participate. The Delphi technique was used to obtain a consensus among expert nurses. Descriptive analysis was used for each item on the nursing assessment tool. Overall, 345 nurses were identified; 32 were eligible as experts and 13 validated the consultation. Of the 13 expert nurses, most were female (11, 84.62%), their mean age was 46.36 ± 10.59 years, eight (61.54%) graduated from public institutions, and eight (61.54%) had a master's degree. The initial version had 106 items, which was reduced to 95 items. The content of four domains (identification, health–disease profile, psychobiological needs, and physical examination) was validated in two rounds about the content with more than 80% of agreement. Two domains (sociodemographic data and health conditions, and personal cares) were validated in the first round with more than 80% of agreement. All domains were validated for their appearance during the first round with more than 80% of agreement. The Nursing Assessment Tool for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) had a considerable level of agreement regarding content and appearance validation in all dimensions.
Aggressiveness predicts dominance rank in greylag geese: mirror tests and agonistic interactions
Authors: Kleindorfer Sonia , Krupka Mara A. , Katsis Andrew C. , Frigerio Didone , Common Lauren K.
Published: April 2024

Individual differences in aggressiveness, if consistent across time and contexts, may contribute to the long-term maintenance of social hierarchies in complex animal societies. Although agonistic interactions have previously been used to calculate individuals’ positions within a dominance hierarchy, to date the repeatability of agonistic behaviour has not been tested when calculating social rank. Here, we examined the consistency and social relevance of aggressiveness as a personality trait in a free-flying population of greylag geese (
Anser anser
). For each individual, we quantified (i) aggressiveness using a standardized mirror stimulation test and (ii) dominance ranking based on the number of agonistic interactions won and lost in a feeding context. We found that individual differences in aggressiveness were significantly repeatable and that individuals’ aggressiveness predicted their dominance rank position. The flock showed a robust and intermediately steep dominance hierarchy. Social rank was higher in paired birds, males and older birds, and most agonistic interactions occurred between individuals with moderate rank differences. We suggest that selection favours aggressiveness as a personality trait associated with resource acquisition and social rank, whereby a dominance hierarchy may increase the benefits of group living and reduce costs over conflict within dyads.
Mating competition among females: testing the distinction between natural and sexual selection in an insect
Authors: Pärssinen Varpu , Simmons Leigh W. , Kvarnemo Charlotta
Published: April 2024

In species where females compete for mates, the male often provides the female with resources in addition to gametes. A recently suggested definition of sexual selection proposed that if females only benefit from additional resources that come with each mating and not additional gametes, female intrasexual competition for mating opportunities would result in natural selection rather than sexual selection. The nuptial gift-giving bushcricket
Kawanaphila nartee
has dynamic sex roles and has been a textbook example of sexual selection acting on females via mating competition. We investigated whether females of this species gain fitness benefits from nuptial gifts, additional ejaculates or both by controlling the number of matings and whether the female was allowed to consume the nutritious gift (spermatophylax) at mating. We found that egg production per day of life increased with the number of additional matings, both with and without spermatophylax consumption, but consuming the spermatophylax had an additional positive effect on the number of eggs. These effects were particularly strong in females with shorter lifespans. We discuss how the recently suggested definition of sexual selection applies to nuptial-feeding insects and conclude that both natural and sexual selections influence mating competition in
K. nartee
females.
Flagellimonas baculiformis sp. nov. and Flagellimonas crocea sp. nov., isolated from surface seawater of the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Wang Ming-lei , Fu Ge-Yi , Xu Xue-Wei
Published: April 2024

Two Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile, non-flagellated bacteria, designated strains D6T and DH64T, were isolated from surface water of the Pacific Ocean. For strain D6T, growth occurred at 10–40 °C, pH 5.5–9.0 and in the presence of 0–8.0 % NaCl (w/v). For strain DH64T, growth occurred at 10–40 °C, pH 5.5–8.5 and in the presence of 0.5–8.0 % NaCl (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains D6T and DH64T both belonged to the genera Flagellimonas, with the highest sequence identities to Flagellimonas taeanensis JCM 17757T (98.2 %) and Flagellimonas marinaquae JCM 11811T (98.6 %), respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence identity between strains D6T and DH64T was 95.9 %. The average amino acid identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between the two strains and the nearest phylogenetic neighbours were 66.7–93.3 % and 16.1–38.5 %, respectively. The major respiratory quinone of both strains was menaquinone-6. The major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acids were identified similarly as iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The genomic G+C contents of strains D6T and DH64T were determined to be 45.5 and 42.6 mol%, respectively. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data show that the strains represent two novel species within genera Flagellimonas, for which the names Flagellimonas baculiformis sp. nov. and Flagellimonas crocea sp. nov. are proposed, with type strains D6T (=MCCC M28982T=KCTC 92604T) and DH64T (=MCCC M28986T=KCTC 92975T).
Ruegeria marisflavi sp. nov. and Ruegeria aquimaris sp. nov., isolated from seawater of the Yellow Sea
Authors: He Wei , Wang Hong-Chuan , Wang Lu , Xue Hua-Peng , Li Yong-Fu , Zhang Ai Hua , Zhang Dao-Feng
Published: April 2024

Two novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacteria, designated as WL0004T and XHP0148T, were isolated from seawater samples collected from the coastal areas of Nantong and Lianyungang, PR China, respectively. Both strains were found to grow at 10–42 °C (optimum, 37 °C) and with 2.0–5.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3.0 %). Strain WL0004T grew at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–8.0), while XHP0148T grew at pH 6.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–8.0). The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) of both strains included summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
 ω6c and/or C18 : 1
 ω7c). In addition, strain WL0004T contained 11-methyl C18 : 1
 ω7c and strain XHP0148T contained C12 : 0 3-OH. The respiratory quinone of both strains was ubiquinone-10. The G+C content of genomic DNA of strains WL0004T and XHP0148T were 62.5 and 63.0 mol%, respectively. Strains WL0004T and XHP0148T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS-3T (99.4 and 99.0 %, respectively), and the 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analysis indicated that the two strains were closely related to members of the genus Ruegeria. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values among the two strains and type strains of the genus Ruegeria were all below 95 and 70 %, respectively, and the phylogenetic tree reconstructed from the bac120 gene set indicated that the two strains are distinct from each other and the members of the genus Ruegeria. Based on this phenotypic and genotypic characterization, strains WL0004T (=MCCC 1K07523T=JCM 35565T=GDMCC 1.3083T) and XHP0148T (=MCCC 1K07543T=JCM 35569T=GDMCC 1.3089T) should be recognized as representing two novel species of the genus Ruegeria and the names Ruegeria marisflavi sp. nov. and Ruegeria aquimaris sp. nov. are proposed, respectively.
Characterization of invasive Group B Streptococcus isolates from Western Australian infants, 2004–2020
Authors: Hilpipre Ginger , Furfaro Lucy L. , Porter Michelle , Blyth Christopher C. , Yeoh Daniel K.
Published: April 2024

Background. Invasive Group B Streptococcus (GBS; Streptococcus agalactiae) remains a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) has been implemented in many countries with a reduction in early-onset disease, but an effective vaccine may further reduce the disease burden. Candidate vaccines targeting capsular polysaccharides and surface proteins are now in clinical trials.

Methods. Using whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing, we characterized sterile-site GBS isolates recovered from Western Australian infants between 2004 and 2020. Characteristics were compared between three time periods: 2004–2008, 2009–2015 and 2016–2020.

Results. A total of 135 isolates were identified. The proportion of serotype III (22.7 % in Period 1 to 47.9 % in Period 3, P=0.04) and clonal complex 17 (13.6–39.6 %, P=0.01) isolates increased over time. Overall coverage of vaccines currently being trialled was >95 %. No isolates were penicillin resistant (MIC>0.25 mg l–1), but 21.5 % of isolates had reduced penicillin susceptibility (MIC>0.12 mg l–1) and penicillin MIC increased significantly over time (P=0.04). Clindamycin resistance increased over time to 45.8 % in the latest period.

Conclusions. Based on comprehensive characterization of invasive infant GBS in Western Australia, we found that coverage for leading capsular polysaccharide and surface protein vaccine candidates was high. The demonstrated changes in serotype and molecular type highlight the need for ongoing surveillance, particularly with regard to future GBS vaccination programmes. The reduced susceptibility to IAP agents over time should inform changes to antibiotic guidelines.
Microbe Profile: Cellvibrio japonicus: living the sweet life via biomass break-down
Authors: Gardner Jeffrey G.
Published: April 2024

Graphical abstract

Transmission Election Microscopy (TEM) image of Cellvibrio japonicus from a Hitachi HT7800 set to 100kV and stained with NanoW. The scalebar depicts 1µm. The polysaccharide diagrams shown are examples of substrates that the bacterium is adept at degrading. C. japonicus possesses an impressive array of carbohydrate active enzymes to cleave the glycosidic bonds of many plant, animal, and fungal polysaccharides.
Comprehensive evaluation of the use of intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs in patients with fundus lesions based on real-world data
Authors: Chen Cheng-qun , Du Li-ping , Liu Qing , Ren Qing-hua , Zhu Zhen-feng , Sun Gui-fang , Li Yu-shen , Yang Yang , Du Shu-zhang , Qi Yue-dong
Published: April 2024

The prevalence of fundus lesion-related diseases is increasing, which ophthalmic anti-VEGF drugs have become the drugs of choice for the treatment of fundus lesions diseases. To evaluate the clinical value of three ophthalmic anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of fundus lesions diseases, to guide the rational use of the clinic. Inpatients with fundus lesions who had intravitreal injections of Aflibercept, Conbercept and Leizumab during 2020 were studied and six indicators were selected for a comprehensive evaluation. In terms of safety, Aflibercept, Conbercept, and Leizumab experienced adverse effects of elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP). In terms of effectiveness, Leizumab was strong, that of Aflibercept was stronger and that of Conbercept was weaker. In terms of economic, there was no significant difference in the cost of Aflibercept, Conbercept and Leizumab and a significant difference in the total treatment cost and the cost of surgery. In terms of appropriateness, Aflibercept was more suitable than Conbercept, and there was no significant difference between Leizumab and Aflibercept. In terms of accessibility, Aflibercept, Conbercept and Leizumab were all accessible to urban residents in Henan Province. For rural people, these are unreachable. In terms of innovation, Aflibercep was the most innovative, followed by Leizumab and finally Conbercept. In terms of effectiveness and accessibility, Leizumab performed best compared to Aflibercept and Conbercept. In terms of accessibility and innovation, Aflibercept performed best compared to Conbercept and Leizumab. In terms of safety and economic, Aflibercept, Conbercept and Leizumab performed comparably.
Factors associated with health decision-making autonomy on own healthcare among Tanzanian women: A 2022-2023 demographic health survey study
Authors: Haruna Tausi , Duah Henry , Lee Rebecca
Published: April 2024

Background

Women’s health decision-making autonomy is fundamental for the health and well-being of women and their children. Like most parts of Africa, women’s status in Tanzania remains contentious, with an estimated 19% prevalence of health decision-making autonomy in 2015. Given that women’s health decision-making autonomy is an ongoing process affected by technological and economic growth and social and cultural changes, understanding the sociodemographic correlates of women’s autonomy is imperative.

Objective

To examine the factors associated with health decision-making autonomy on their own health among Tanzanian women aged 15-49.

Methods

A non-experimental cross-sectional study using secondary data from the current Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (TDHS-MIS) 2022-2023. The R statistical programming language was used to run the analysis. Chi-square and Ordinal Logistic Regression were fitted to identify the sociodemographic characteristics associated with women’s health decision-making autonomy on their own health. The odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval was used to determine the significance level at p-value <0.05. All estimates were adjusted for sample design (sample weight, strata, and sampling units)

Results

A total of 9,249 women were included in the analysis. Only 1,908 (21%) had complete autonomy, 4,933 (53%) had joint autonomy, and 2,408 (26%) had no autonomy. Women’s age, education level, household wealth index, and living in the South West Highlands zone were factors independently associated with higher odds of complete autonomy in their own healthcare. Rural residence was associated with decreased odds of complete autonomy.

Conclusion

These results show that health decision-making autonomy among Tanzanian women remains very low. Efforts to empower women through better education and means to improve their economic status are needed to increase complete health decision-making autonomy on their health.

Recommendation

Accelerated and concerted efforts to increase health decision-making autonomy among married women will eventually improve their health and well-being and that of society.

Future implication

The findings can serve as a basis for exploratory qualitative research to further understand the process of health decision-making autonomy among Tanzanian women.
The general neurocognitive decline in patients with methamphetamine (MA) use and transient MA-induced psychosis is primarily determined by oxidative and AGE-RAGE stress
Authors: Maes Michael , Altufaili Mazin Fadhil , Alhaideri Amer Fadhil , Moustafa Shatha Rouf , Stoyanova Kristina , Niu Mengqi , Zhou Bo , Li Jing , Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem
Published: April 2024

Background

Chronic methamphetamine (MA) usage is linked to oxidative stress (OS), AGE-RAGE stress, changes in magnesium, calcium, and copper, increased psychotic symptoms and neurocognitive deficits. Nevertheless, it is still unclear whether the latter impairments are mediated by these biological pathways.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between neurocognition, the aforementioned biomarkers, and psychotic symptoms.

Methods

We recruited 67 participants, namely 40 patients diagnosed with MA-substance use and 27 healthy controls, and assessed the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), symptoms of psychosis, excitation, and formal thought disorders, OS toxicity (computed as the sum of myeloperoxidase (MPO), oxidized high-density lipoprotein (HDL), oxidized low-DL, and malondialdehyde), antioxidant defenses (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, zinc, and HDL), increased advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and soluble AGE receptors.

Results

We were able to extract one validated latent vector from the Mini Mental State Examination score and the BACS tests results (including executive functions, verbal fluency, attention), labeled general cognitive decline (G-CoDe). We found that 76.1% of the variance in the G-CoDe was explained by increased OS toxicity, lowered antioxidant defenses, number of psychotic episodes, and MA dose. In patients with MA use, MPO was significantly associated with the G-CoDe.

Conclusions

The use of MA induces mild cognitive impairments through MA-induced activation of detrimental outcome pathways, including oxidative and AGE-RAGE stress, and suppression of protective outcome pathways (antioxidants). Increased OS, MPO, and AGE-RAGE stress are new drug targets to prevent neurocognitive deficits and psychosis due to MA use.
Baseline gut microbiome and metabolites are correlated with alcohol consumption in a zonisamide clinical trial of heavy drinking alcoholic civilians
Authors: Dedon Liv R. , Yuan Hanshu , Chi Jinhua , Gu Haiwei , Arias Albert J. , Covault Jonathan M. , Zhou Yanjiao
Published: April 2024

Development and severity of alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been linked to variations in gut microbiota and their associated metabolites in both animal and human studies. However, the involvement of the gut microbiome in alcohol consumption of individuals with AUD undergoing treatment remains unclear. To address this, stool samples (n=48) were collected at screening (baseline) and trial completion from a single site of a multi-site double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Zonisamide in individuals with AUD. Alcohol consumption, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and phosphatidylethanol (PEth)levels were measured both at baseline and endpoint of 16-week trial period. Fecal microbiome was analyzedvia16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomeviauntargeted LC-MS. Both sex (p = 0.003) and psychotropic medication usage (p = 0.025) are associated with baseline microbiome composition. The relative abundance of 12 genera at baseline was correlated with percent drinking reduction, baseline and endpoint alcohol consumption, and changes in GGT and PeTH over the course of treatment (p.adj < 0.05). Overall microbiome community structure at baseline differed between high and low responders (67-100% and 0-33% drinking reduction, respectively; p = 0.03). A positive relationship between baseline fecal GABA levels and percent drinking reduction (R=0.43, p < 0.05) was identified by microbiome function prediction and confirmed by ELISA and metabolomics. Predicted microbiome function and metabolomics analysis have found that tryptophan metabolic pathways are over-represented in low responders. These findings highlight importance of baseline microbiome and metabolites in alcohol consumption in AUD patients undergoing zonisamide treatment.