bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing youth tobacco surveillance with novel methods
Authors: Farrelly M C , Levine B , Cavazos M L
Published: February 2024

Tobacco surveillance in the United States is robust but cannot be quickly modified to capture newly identified tobacco products or behaviors. We present an example of a rapidly deployed nonprobability survey using social media recruitment that collected data on rapidly changing tobacco use behaviors. We recruited 15- to 17-year old current vapers from NY, USA, using targeted social media advertisements to complete the New York Adolescent Vaping Survey (NY AVS), which asked about vaping behaviors not addressed in existing probability surveillance surveys. We used the New York Youth Risk Behavior Survey (NY YRBS) to apply calibration weights to ensure that the distribution of the demographic characteristics accurately reflected the population distribution. We found systematic differences in demographic variable distributions between the probability-based NY YRBS and the convenience sample of the NY AVS that were reconciled in the weighting calibration. We found no statistically significant differences between the NY YRBS and NY AVS estimates after calibration for two outcome variables of interest. Recruiting a sample of adolescents using social media advertising to conduct a rapid survey on vaping provided valuable data that complemented traditional surveillance surveys; this approach could be used to fill future knowledge gaps in youth tobacco surveillance.
Hypermethylation in the promoter regions of flavonoid pathway genes is associated with skin color fading during ‘Daihong’ apple fruit development
Authors: Xu Jihua , Xiong Lan , Yao Jia-Long , Zhao Peilei , Jiang Shenghui , Sun Xiaohong , Dong Chaohua , Jiang Hongyuan , Xu Xinyue , Zhang Yugang
Published: February 2024

Apple fruit skin color fading is not well understood although the molecular mechanism of skin color formation is well known. The red-fleshed apple cultivar ‘Daihong’ (DH) exhibited fading skin color during fruit development despite having a heterozygous R6 allele but lacking Red-TE for red fruit skin. In this study, transcriptomic analysis revealed the expression level of MdMYB10 increased with fruit development whereas reduced expression levels of MdMYBPA1, MdCHS, MdANS, MdUFGT, MdLAR, and MdANR were observed, consistent with decreased levels of chalcone, anthocyanin, catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) indicated a global gain in cytosine methylation levels and increased methylation in 5′ and 3′ flanking regions of genes and transposable elements (TEs), and in TE bodies in all CG, CHG and CHH contexts, especially the mCHH context, during fruit development. The increased DNA methylation was attributed to reduced expression levels of DNA demethylase genes, including MdDME1, MdROS1, and MdROS2. Association analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between promoter methylation levels of MdCHS, MdCHI, MdMYBPA1, and their respective transcript levels, as well as a negative correlation between promoter methylation levels of MdCHS, MdCHI, MdANR, and MdFLS, and the content of chalcones, naringenin-7-glucoside, epicatechin, and quercetin. Treatment with the DNA demethylation agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine verified the negative correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression within the flavonoid pathway. These findings suggest that hypermethylation in promoter regions of genes of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway is associated with the reduction of gene expression and flavonoid content, and fruit skin color fading during DH apple development.
Transcriptional regulation of flavonol biosynthesis in plants
Authors: Cao Yunlin , Mei Yuyang , Zhang Ruining , Zhong Zelong , Yang Xiaochun , Xu Changjie , Chen Kunsong , Li Xian
Published: February 2024

Flavonols are a class of flavonoids that play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and promoting stress resistance. They are also important dietary components in horticultural crops due to their benefits for human health. In past decades, research on the transcriptional regulation of flavonol biosynthesis in plants has increased rapidly. This review summarizes recent progress in flavonol-specific transcriptional regulation in plants, encompassing characterization of different categories of transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs as well as elucidation of different transcriptional mechanisms, including direct and cascade transcriptional regulation. Direct transcriptional regulation involves TFs, such as MYB, AP2/ERF, and WRKY, which can directly target the key flavonol synthase gene or other early genes in flavonoid biosynthesis. In addition, different regulation modules in cascade transcriptional regulation involve microRNAs targeting TFs, regulation between activators, interaction between activators and repressors, and degradation of activators or repressors induced by UV-B light or plant hormones. Such sophisticated regulation of the flavonol biosynthetic pathway in response to UV-B radiation or hormones may allow plants to fine-tune flavonol homeostasis, thereby balancing plant growth and stress responses in a timely manner. Based on orchestrated regulation, molecular design strategies will be applied to breed horticultural crops with excellent health-promoting effects and high resistance.
How ad hoc coalitions deinstitutionalize international institutions
Authors: Brosig Malte , Karlsrud John
Published: February 2024

As ad hoc coalitions (AHCs) proliferate, particularly on the African continent, two questions crystallize. First, what consequences do they bring about for the existing institutional security landscape? And second, how can the trend of AHCs operating alongside instead of inside international organizations be captured and explored conceptually? To answer these questions, we closely examine the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) fighting Boko Haram and its changing relationship to the African Union. Through the case-study and a review of policy and academic literatures, the article launches the concept of deinstitutionalization and how it can be characterized. We identify three features of deinstitutionalization: AHCs can bypass standard procedures for decision-making processes, whittle down established institutional scripts and shift resource allocations. We detail how the AHCs contribute to changing practices of financing international peace and security operations, with an examination of European Union and United Nations policies and practices. In sum, the article unwraps processes of deinstitutionalization and identifies three forms of rationales for this process: lack of problem-solving capacity, limited adaptability and path dependency.
Health Services Utilization and Specialist Care in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multiprovince Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Kuenzig M Ellen , Bitton Alain , Carroll Matthew W , Otley Anthony R , Singh Harminder , Kaplan Gilaad G , Stukel Therese A , Mack David R , Jacobson Kevan , Griffiths Anne M , El-Matary Wael , Targownik Laura E , Nguyen Geoffrey C , Jones Jennifer L , Murthy Sanjay K , Bernstein Charles N , Lix Lisa M , Peña-Sánchez Juan Nicolás , Dummer Trevor J B , Spruin Sarah , Fung Stephen G , Nugent Zoann , Coward Stephanie , Cui Yunsong , Coulombe Janie , Filliter Christopher , Benchimol Eric I
Published: February 2024

Background

Patterns of health services utilization among children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are important to understand as the number of children with IBD continues to increase. We compared health services utilization and surgery among children diagnosed <10 years of age (Paris classification: A1a) and between 10 and <16 years of age (A1b).

Methods

Incident cases of IBD diagnosed <16 years of age were identified using validated algorithms from deterministically linked health administrative data in 5 Canadian provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec) to conduct a retrospective cohort study. We compared the frequency of IBD-specific outpatient visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations across age groups (A1a vs A1b [reference]) using negative binomial regression. The risk of surgery was compared across age groups using Cox proportional hazards models. Models were adjusted for sex, rural/urban residence location, and mean neighborhood income quintile. Province-specific estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

Among the 1165 (65.7% Crohn’s) children with IBD included in our study, there were no age differences in the frequency of hospitalizations (rate ratio [RR], 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-1.06) or outpatient visits (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.78-1.16). A1a children had fewer emergency department visits (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50-0.97) and were less likely to require a Crohn’s-related surgery (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.26-0.92). The risk of colectomy was similar among children with ulcerative colitis in both age groups (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.49-1.01).

Conclusions

Patterns of health services utilization are generally similar when comparing children diagnosed across age groups.
A personal reflection on changes in marine science education over the past sixty years
Authors: Brusca Richard C
Published: February 2024

Changes and needs in marine science (and natural science in general) training over the past six decades are discussed. Among these are: new technological advances; the loss of -ology courses; the loss of field courses and sense of place opportunities for students; the need for a more interdisciplinary approach to training natural science students; a need to better expose our students to threats to Earth’s biocultural diversity; a need to include more humanities in our student training, including addressing diminished readership and appreciation of the great books; the nature of creativity; the perils of the internet; and university emphasis on faculty overhead dollars and high-profile publications at the expense of student training and more creative research.
Ninguna ley superior: El plebiscito uruguayo de 1980 como constituyente fallidoNo higher law: The Uruguayan Plebiscite of 1980 as a failed constituent moment
Authors: Katz Andrea Scoseria
Published: February 2024

On November 30, 1980, the people of Uruguay were called on to vote on a new constitution whose objective was to legalize the military dictatorship that had ruled Uruguay since 1973. The proposed constitution would reestablish elections, political parties and an independent judiciary, but all subject to overrule by the National Security Council (COSENA), the junta of military leaders that acted as the nation’s de facto ruling body. Despite the highly repressive political environment in which the plebiscite was held, the citizenry rejected the draft in resounding fashion by a vote of 57% to 43%. Although the Plebiscite of 1980 was certainly a “failure” from the regime’s point of view, it is considered a founding moment in Uruguayan history during which the dictatorship was delegitimized and the process of redemocratization triggered, culminating in a democratic transition in 1985. This case illustrates that constitutional failures can be successes in the long term when they launch deeper processes of democratization or constitutionalism.
Effects of Gender, Education, Income, Social Rank, Financial Stress, and Shame on Beliefs About the Autonomy of One’s Opinions and Their Expression
Authors: Magee William
Published: February 2024

Individuals’ beliefs about their opinion-related tendencies should interest public opinion researchers for at least two reasons. First, these beliefs could influence opinion-related behaviors. Second, they are likely to indicate tendencies that transcend specific situations and pertain to a wide range of subjects for which opinions can be held. This study investigates the associations of demographic characteristics, material and social resources, and subjective experiences with the belief that one tends to develop independent opinions (i.e., opinion autonomy) and expresses one’s minority opinions (i.e., expressed autonomy). Effects are estimated through analyses of three waves of data collected from a sample of the U.S. adult population. Education, age, community rank, financial stress, and shame are revealed to have effects of similar magnitude on expressed autonomy and opinion autonomy. Gender is the only variable investigated associated with only one form of autonomy—expressed autonomy. The findings are interpreted through the lenses of identity and affect control theories. Processes related to maintaining authenticity, perceived self-worthiness, and confidence in oneself as an independent thinker and agent are theorized as underlying the results.
Frequency-weighted and frequency interval Gramian framework-based model reduction using singular value decomposition
Authors: Sharma Vineet , Kumar Deepak
Published: February 2024

It is observed that the reduced-order models (ROMs) by some existing limited Gramians-based techniques deviate significantly from the high-order model, resulting in a large approximation inaccuracy. Therefore, this paper introduces a novel solution for finite-frequency model reduction using new frequency-weighted Gramians by employing balanced truncation. This work provides a novel structure of fictitious input and output matrices, resulting in the proposed continuous-time system Gramians. The suggested strategy provides stable ROMs even when input and output weightings are incorporated into the system. Furthermore, the proposed approach is extended with the frequency-interval Gramians, ensuring stable ROMs. The proposed simulation outcomes are compared with other well-known frequency-weighted and frequency-interval Gramians-based techniques using numerical examples to demonstrate the efficacy of the suggested strategies.
Effective Morphisms and Quotient Stacks
Authors: Di Lorenzo Andrea , Inchiostro Giovanni
Published: February 2024

We give a valuative criterion for when a smooth algebraic stack with a separated good moduli space is the quotient of a separated Deligne–Mumford stack by a torus. For doing so, we introduce a new class of morphisms, the effective morphisms, which are a generalization of separated morphisms.
Trend to Equilibrium for Flows With Random Diffusion
Authors: Aryan Shrey , Rosenzweig Matthew , Staffilani Gigliola
Published: February 2024

Motivated by the possibility of noise to cure equations of finite-time blowup, the recent work [ 90] by the second and third named authors showed that with quantifiable high probability, random diffusion restores global existence for a large class of active scalar equations in arbitrary dimension with possibly singular velocity fields. This class includes Hamiltonian flows, such as the SQG equation and its generalizations, and gradient flows, such as the Patlak–Keller–Segel equation. A question left open is the asymptotic behavior of the solutions, in particular, whether they converge to a steady state. We answer this question by showing that the solutions from [ 90] in the periodic setting converge in Gevrey norm exponentially fast to the uniform distribution as time $t\rightarrow \infty $.
Epidemiology of Human Seasonal Coronaviruses Among People With Mild and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness in Blantyre, Malawi, 2011–2017
Authors: Kovacs Dory , Mambule Ivan , Read Jonathan M , Kiran Anmol , Chilombe Moses , Bvumbwe Thandiwe , Aston Stephen , Menyere Mavis , Masina Mazuba , Kamzati Moses , Ganiza Thokozani Namale , Iuliano Danielle , McMorrow Meredith , Bar-Zeev Naor , Everett Dean , French Neil , Ho Antonia
Published: February 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiology of human seasonal coronaviruses (HCoVs) in southern Malawi.

Methods

We tested for HCoVs 229E, OC43, NL63, and HKU1 using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on upper respiratory specimens from asymptomatic controls and individuals of all ages recruited through severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) surveillance at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, and a prospective influenza-like illness (ILI) observational study between 2011 and 2017. We modeled the probability of having a positive PCR for each HCoV using negative binomial models, and calculated pathogen-attributable fractions (PAFs).

Results

Overall, 8.8% (539/6107) of specimens were positive for ≥1 HCoV. OC43 was the most frequently detected HCoV (3.1% [191/6107]). NL63 was more frequently detected in ILI patients (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR], 9.60 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.25–28.30]), while 229E (aIRR, 8.99 [95% CI, 1.81–44.70]) was more frequent in SARI patients than asymptomatic controls. In adults, 229E and OC43 were associated with SARI (PAF, 86.5% and 89.4%, respectively), while NL63 was associated with ILI (PAF, 85.1%). The prevalence of HCoVs was similar between children with SARI and controls. All HCoVs had bimodal peaks but distinct seasonality.

Conclusions

OC43 was the most prevalent HCoV in acute respiratory illness of all ages. Individual HCoVs had distinct seasonality that differed from temperate settings.
The Engineered Lysin CF-370 Is Active Against Antibiotic-Resistant Gram-Negative Pathogens In Vitro and Synergizes With Meropenem in Experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pneumonia
Authors: Sauve Karen , Watson Aubrey , Oh Jun T , Swift Steven , Vila-Farres Xavier , Abdelhady Wessam , Xiong Yan Q , LeHoux Dario , Woodnutt Gary , Bayer Arnold S , Schuch Raymond
Published: February 2024

Background

Lysins (cell wall hydrolases) targeting gram-negative organisms require engineering to permeabilize the outer membrane and access subjacent peptidoglycan to facilitate killing. In the current study, the potential clinical utility for the engineered lysin CF-370 was examined in vitro and in vivo against gram-negative pathogens important in human infections.

Methods

Minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) and bactericidal activity were determined using standard methods. An in vivo proof-of-concept efficacy study was conducted using a rabbit acute pneumonia model caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Results

CF-370 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, with MIC50/90 values (in µg/mL) for: P aeruginosa, 1/2; Acinetobacter baumannii, 1/1; Escherichia coli, 0.25/1; Klebsiella pneumoniae, 2/4; Enterobacter cloacae 1/4; and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia 2/8. CF-370 furthermore demonstrated bactericidal activity, activity in serum, a low propensity for resistance, anti-biofilm activity, and synergy with antibiotics. In the pneumonia model, CF-370 alone decreased bacterial densities in lungs, kidneys, and spleen versus vehicle control, and demonstrated significantly increased efficacy when combined with meropenem (vs either agent alone).

Conclusions

CF-370 is the first engineered lysin described with potent broad-spectrum in vitro activity against multiple clinically relevant gram-negative pathogens, as well as potent in vivo efficacy in an animal model of severe invasive multisystem infection.
Exploring JC Polyomavirus Sequences and Human Gene Expression in Brain Tissue of Patients With Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Honkimaa Anni , Laine Pia , Suppula Joni , Tynninen Olli , Saarela Mika , Laakso Sini M , Hetemäki Iivo , Liimatainen Hanna , Auvinen Petri , Auvinen Eeva
Published: February 2024

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare neurological condition associated with reactivation of dormant JC polyomavirus (JCPyV). In this study, we characterized gene expression and JCPyV rearrangements in PML brain tissue. Infection of white matter astrocytes and oligodendrocytes as well as occasional brain cortex neurons was shown. PML brain harbored exclusively rearranged JCPyV variants. Viral transcripts covered the whole genome on both strands. Strong differential expression of human genes associated with neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier permeability, and neurodegenerative diseases was shown. Pathway analysis revealed wide immune activation in PML brain. The study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of PML.
Essential dataset features in a successful obesity registry: a systematic review
Authors: Nosrati Mina , Seifi Najmeh , Hosseini Nafiseh , Ferns Gordon A , Kimiafar Khalil , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid
Published: February 2024

Background

The prevalence of obesity and the diversity of available treatments makes the development of a national obesity registry desirable. To do this, it is essential to design a minimal dataset to meet the needs of a registry. This review aims to identify the essential elements of a successful obesity registry.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis recommendations. Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed databases and Google sites were searched to identify articles containing obesity or overweight registries or datasets of obesity. We included English articles up to January 2023.

Results

A total of 82 articles were identified. Data collection of all registries was carried out via a web-based system. According to the included datasets, the important features were as follows: demographics, anthropometrics, medical history, lifestyle assessment, nutritional assessment, weight history, clinical information, medication history, family medical history, prenatal history, quality-of-life assessment and eating disorders.

Conclusions

In this study, the essential features in the obesity registry dataset were demographics, anthropometrics, medical history, lifestyle assessment, nutritional assessment, weight history and clinical analysis items.
Covid-19 vaccination coverage and associated factors among older hypertensive patients in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Liu Shijun , Jiang Caixia , Liu Yan , Qiu Xin , Luo Jun , Wang Jing , Xu Yuyang
Published: February 2024

Background

Vaccination could provide effective protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to describe the COVID-19 vaccination coverage and influential factors in Chinese older hypertensive patients.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional design, participants were randomly selected from the electronic health records system during the pandemic era in Hangzhou, China. Logistic regression models were employed to compute the OR and 95% CI in order to assess the relationships between variables and the extent of COVID-19 vaccination coverage.

Results

As of 3 August 2022, among a sample of 77 970 individuals, 75.11% had completed the full COVID-19 vaccination, while 57.66% had received a booster dose. Disparities in coverage were observed across genders, regions and age groups. Unhealthy lifestyles, cardiovascular disease, cancer, uncontrolled blood pressure, abnormal fasting plasma glucose, dyslipidemia and renal dysfunction were risk factors for COVID-19 vaccination coverage. The coverage rates continuously declined along with the number of risk factors. The ORs for full and booster vaccination in subjects with ≥4 risk factors were 2.55 (2.12∼3.07) and 2.60 (2.16∼3.13), compared to individuals without risk factors.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 vaccination program for older hypertensive patients must be strengthened further. Emphasis should be placed on patients who reside in urban areas, have comorbidities or multiple risk factors.
Feeding the World Through Food Tech
Authors: Pillai Andrea
Published: February 2024

Andrea Pillai, founder of Aider Ventures and author of the newsletter Tech x NonTech, provides her thoughts on technology's capabilities when it comes to digitally transforming the food industry to sustainably feed a growing population.
Thoughtful Hospitality
Authors: Daramola Kolawole , Iqbal Sobia
Published: February 2024

Kolawole Daramola and Sobia Iqbal, BCS Early Years Executive, take a look at the growing use of technology within the hospitality industry, the challenges which are currently being faced and the opportunities for IT professionals.
The Future of Quick Service Restaurants
Authors: Powell Grant
Published: February 2024

Grant Powell MBCS recently spoke to Alana Abbitt, Vice President of Product Development at Miso Robotics, to learn how AI driven robotic technology is helping to revolutionise the fast food industry.
Working With Data to Maintain High Food Standards
Authors: Powell Grant
Published: February 2024

Grant Powell MBCS spoke to Julie Pierce, Director of Information and Science at the Food Standards Agency, about the vital role that today's data analysis technologies are playing in helping to identify and minimise risk.
Diversity 2023: The Missing 756,000
Authors: Runciman Brian
Published: February 2024

Last year the BCS analysis of the ONS IT labour market data showed there were a potential 754,000 workers missing from the IT industry. For 2023, that number didn't improve. Brian Runciman MBCS reports.
AI Impact 2024
Authors: Runciman Brian
Published: February 2024

In the BCS ‘Digital in Business Life 2024’ survey, we asked some Al-specific questions in addition to the normal ‘planning-for-the-next-year’ style queries. In keeping with a new BCS Fellows Technical Advisory Group paper on the augmented intelligence economy, Brian Runciman MBCS, ChatGPT and BCS members collaborate to report on the prevailing view of members on AI's current and near-future impact.
Popular Computer Science #Popcompsci
Authors: Runciman Brian
Published: February 2024

Popular science is a well-used term – can we popularise computer science? That's the plan… welcome to a new section of ITNOW.
AI and Spotting the Sound of Illness
Authors: Cooper Martin
Published: February 2024

Martin Cooper MBCS speaks to Tim Bashford about exciting developments in healthcare technology that may allow the early detection and treatment of respiratory diseases such as COPD through AI-based vocal analysis.
Climate Change, Evolution and AI Art
Authors: Smith Georgia
Published: February 2024

Award winning digital artist, Paul Brown, offers a personal perspective on how AI could grow closer to achieving sentience, its relationship to human evolution, and how it might be impacted by climate change.
Digital Transformation and Career Opportunities at the RSPCA
Authors: Powell Grant
Published: February 2024

Grant Powell MBCS talks to RSPCA Assistant Director, Nicholas George, Senior Programme Manager, Donna Nichols and Technology Programme Manager, Laura Edwards to learn how digital transformation has improved animal welfare processes while also presenting new opportunities for IT talent.
Fighting Financial Crime with AI
Authors: Robertson-Mair Alex , Wong Adrian
Published: February 2024

Senior Manager Alex Robertson-Mair, and Data Architect Adrian Wong of FS Lighthouse, KPMG, explain an innovative solution to fighting money laundering with AI technologies.
Why is AI Hard to Define?
Authors: Lea Andrew
Published: February 2024

Andrew Lea FBCS, with the help of the BCS SGAI, asks why it's hard to be concrete about what AI is and why this lack of consensus matters.
Zero Trust and Data Engineering
Authors: Gupta Pankaj
Published: February 2024

Pankaj Gupta, a data analytics engineer from Discover Financial Services, puts zero trust under the microscope and explores why it's necessary, how it works and what the concept might mean for the future of security.
Phenotypic and genetic characterization of antimicrobial resistance inSalmonella entericaserovar Choleraesuis isolates from humans and animals in Spain from 2006 to 2021
Authors: Jacqueline Camille , Samper-Cativiela Clara , Monzon Fernandez Sara , Ugarte-Ruiz María , Cuesta de la Plaza Isabel , Alvarez Julio , Herrera-Leon Silvia
Published: February 2024

Objectives

While an increase in the levels of MDR in Salmonella enterica sevorar Choleraesuis has been reported in Europe, little is known about the situation in Spain. Therefore, we first aimed to assess the phenotypic resistance profile and to determine the presence of genetic determinants of resistance of S. Choleraesuis isolates collected in animal and human. Our second objective was to identify and characterize clusters of highly related isolates.

Methods

We analysed 50 human and 45 animal isolates retrieved from 2006 to 2021 using the disc diffusion method and performed WGS followed by analyses of genetic determinants and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

All isolates were of ST145 and corresponded to the variant Kunzendorf. Swine isolates harboured a significantly higher number of antimicrobial resistance genes than human isolates, and often carried plasmid replicons of the IncHI2/IncHI2A type (42% of all animal isolates). In addition, we identified several MDR S. Choleraesuis strains circulating in humans and swine between 2006 and 2021. The phylogenetic analyses identified four clades associated with specific patterns of resistance genes and plasmid replicons. The clades also included isolates that differed in terms of year and region of isolation as well as host of origin.

Conclusions

This One Health approach highlights that reducing human MDR S. Choleraesuis infections may require the adoption of strategies that not only seek to prevent cases in humans but also to characterize and reduce the infection burden in swine.
Lower blood levels of isavuconazole in critically ill patients compared with other populations: possible need for therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Mikulska Malgorzata , Melchio Monica , Signori Alessio , Ullah Nadir , Miletich Franca , Sepulcri Chiara , Limongelli Alessandro , Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Balletto Elisa , Russo Chiara , Magnasco Laura , Vena Antonio , Di Grazia Carmen , Raiola Anna Maria , Portunato Federica , Dentone Chiara , Battaglini Denise , Ball Lorenzo , Robba Chiara , Angelucci Emanuele , Brunetti Iole , Bassetti Matteo
Published: February 2024

Background

Isavuconazole is first-line treatment of invasive aspergillosis. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is deemed not necessary, since most patients reached therapeutic levels (>1 mg/L) in large studies. Low levels were reported in some critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. The aim was to compare isavuconazole levels between critically ill and non-critically ill patients.

Materials and methods

Retrospective analysis of data from all patients treated with standard-dose isavuconazole between 1 January 2019 and 26 October 2022 was performed. The following data were collected: TDM results from the first 30 days of therapy; ward of admission; demographic and clinical characteristics; continuous renal replacement therapy; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; and co-administered drugs.

Results

Seventy-two patients (median age 65 years) and 188 TDM measurements (mean number of samples per patient 2.6 ± 1.7) were included; 33 (45.8%) were ICU patients (3 also had haematological disorders); 39 (54.2%) were non-ICU patients, of whom 31 had haematological disorders. In all patients, the mean isavuconazole blood level was 3.33 ± 2.26 mg/L. Significantly lower levels were observed in the ICU versus the non-ICU population: mean 2.02 ± 1.22 versus 4.15 ± 2.31 mg/L (P < 0.001). Significantly higher rates of subtherapeutic levels were observed in ICU patients compared with the non-ICU population: all determinations <2 mg/L in 33.3% versus 7.7%, and all determinations <1 mg/L in 12.1% versus 0%, respectively. Predictors of lower isavuconazole levels were admission to the ICU, BMI > 25 kg/m2, bilirubin > 1.2 mg/dL and the absence of haematological disorder.

Conclusions

ICU patients had significantly lower isavuconazole blood levels compared to non-ICU population. The TDM of isavuconazole for efficacy should be performed in ICU.
Global spread of the linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecalis ST476 clonal lineage carrying optrA
Authors: Brenciani Andrea , Cinthi Marzia , Coccitto Sonia Nina , Massacci Francesca Romana , Albini Elisa , Cucco Lucilla , Paniccià Marta , Freitas Ana R , Schwarz Stefan , Giovanetti Eleonora , Magistrali Chiara Francesca
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To investigate the global distribution of an optrA-harbouring linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecalis ST476 clonal lineage.

Methods

Comprehensive searches of the NCBI database were performed to identify published peer-reviewed articles and genomes of E. faecalis ST476. Each genome was analysed for resistome, virulome, OptrA variant and optrA genetic contexts. A phylogenetic comparison of ST476 genomes with publicly available genomes of other STs was also performed.

Results

Sixty-six E. faecalis ST476 isolates from 15 countries (China, Japan, South Korea, Austria, Denmark, Spain, Czech Republic, Colombia, Tunisia, Italy, Malaysia, Belgium, Germany, United Arab Emirates and Switzerland) mainly of human and animal origin were identified. Thirty available ST476 genomes compared with genomes of 591 STs indicated a progressive radiation of E. faecalis STs starting from ST21. The closest ancestral node for ST476 was ST1238. Thirty E. faecalis ST476 genomes exhibited 3–916 SNP differences. Several antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes were conserved among the ST476 genomes. The optrA genetic context exhibited a high degree of or complete identity to the chromosomal transposon Tn6674. Only three isolates displayed an optrA-carrying plasmid with complete or partial Tn6674. The WT OptrA protein was most widespread in the ST476 lineage.

Conclusions

Linezolid-resistant optrA-carrying E. faecalis of the clonal lineage ST476 is globally distributed in human, animal and environmental settings. The presence of such an emerging clone can be of great concern for public health. Thus, a One Health approach is needed to counteract the spread and the evolution of this enterococcal clonal lineage.
Predominance of multidrug-resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections among symptomatic patients in East Africa: a call for action
Authors: Maldonado-Barragán Antonio , Mshana Stephen E , Keenan Katherine , Ke Xuejia , Gillespie Stephen H , Stelling John , Maina John , Bazira Joel , Muhwezi Ivan , Mushi Martha F , Green Dominique L , Kesby Mike , Lynch Andy G , Sabiiti Wilber , Sloan Derek J , Sandeman Alison , Kiiru John , Asiimwe Benon , Holden Matthew T G
Published: February 2024

Background

In low- and middle-income countries, antibiotics are often prescribed for patients with symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) without microbiological confirmation. Inappropriate antibiotic use can contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the selection of MDR bacteria. Data on antibiotic susceptibility of cultured bacteria are important in drafting empirical treatment guidelines and monitoring resistance trends, which can prevent the spread of AMR. In East Africa, antibiotic susceptibility data are sparse. To fill the gap, this study reports common microorganisms and their susceptibility patterns isolated from patients with UTI-like symptoms in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Within each country, patients were recruited from three sites that were sociodemographically distinct and representative of different populations.

Methods

UTI was defined by the presence of >104 cfu/mL of one or two uropathogens in mid-stream urine samples. Identification of microorganisms was done using biochemical methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion assay. MDR bacteria were defined as isolates resistant to at least one agent in three or more classes of antimicrobial agents.

Results

Microbiologically confirmed UTI was observed in 2653 (35.0%) of the 7583 patients studied. The predominant bacteria were Escherichia coli (37.0%), Staphylococcus spp. (26.3%), Klebsiella spp. (5.8%) and Enterococcus spp. (5.5%). E. coli contributed 982 of the isolates, with an MDR proportion of 52.2%. Staphylococcus spp. contributed 697 of the isolates, with an MDR rate of 60.3%. The overall proportion of MDR bacteria (n = 1153) was 50.9%.

Conclusions

MDR bacteria are common causes of UTI in patients attending healthcare centres in East African countries, which emphasizes the need for investment in laboratory culture capacity and diagnostic algorithms to improve accuracy of diagnosis that will lead to appropriate antibiotic use to prevent and control AMR.
Question answering systems for health professionals at the point of care—a systematic review
Authors: Kell Gregory , Roberts Angus , Umansky Serge , Qian Linglong , Ferrari Davide , Soboczenski Frank , Wallace Byron C , Patel Nikhil , Marshall Iain J
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Question answering (QA) systems have the potential to improve the quality of clinical care by providing health professionals with the latest and most relevant evidence. However, QA systems have not been widely adopted. This systematic review aims to characterize current medical QA systems, assess their suitability for healthcare, and identify areas of improvement.

Materials and methods

We searched PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, ACL Anthology, and forward and backward citations on February 7, 2023. We included peer-reviewed journal and conference papers describing the design and evaluation of biomedical QA systems. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. We conducted a narrative synthesis and risk of bias assessment for each study. We assessed the utility of biomedical QA systems.

Results

We included 79 studies and identified themes, including question realism, answer reliability, answer utility, clinical specialism, systems, usability, and evaluation methods. Clinicians’ questions used to train and evaluate QA systems were restricted to certain sources, types and complexity levels. No system communicated confidence levels in the answers or sources. Many studies suffered from high risks of bias and applicability concerns. Only 8 studies completely satisfied any criterion for clinical utility, and only 7 reported user evaluations. Most systems were built with limited input from clinicians.

Discussion

While machine learning methods have led to increased accuracy, most studies imperfectly reflected real-world healthcare information needs. Key research priorities include developing more realistic healthcare QA datasets and considering the reliability of answer sources, rather than merely focusing on accuracy.
AMR Threat Perception Assessment of Heterotrophic Bacteria From Shrimp Aquaculture Through Epidemiological Cut off Values
Authors: Nadella Ranjit Kumar , Panda Satyen Kumar , Kumar Anuj , Uchoi Devananda , Kishore Pankaj , Badireddy Madhusudana Rao , Kuricheti Pani Prasad , Raman Ram Prakash , Mothadaka Mukteswar Prasad
Published: February 2024

Background

Emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance is one of the major risks associated with the rampant usage of antibiotics in food-producing animals including aquaculture.

Objective

To determine Epidemiological Cut-OFF (ECOFF) values of heterotrophic bacterial populations from shrimp culture environments against five different antibiotics

Methods

In this present study, bacterial samples were isolated from Penaeus vannamei culture environment in different locations of Andhra Pradesh, which is the aquaculture hub of India. The bacterial isolates were assessed for antibiotic resistance towards five antibiotics belonging to different classes (oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and co-trimoxazole) by the disc diffusion method. Determination of Epidemiological Cut-OFF (ECOFF) values and analysis by employing normalized resistance interpretation (NRI) was carried out.

Results

The most dominant bacterial populations from shrimp culture were Vibrio spp. (pathogenic bacteria) followed by Bacillus spp. (probiotic bacteria). The bacterial isolates showed highest resistance towards oxytetracycline (overall 23.38%) and in location L6 (59.4%) followed by co-trimoxazole (31.1%). ECOFF values calculated by employing NRI showed that the disc diffusion data were distributed in a normalized manner. The maximum ECOFF value was obtained for ciprofloxacin (23.32 mm), while the minimum value was observed for oxytetracycline (9.05 mm). The antibiotic resistant phenotypes showed that the majority of the heterotrophic bacterial isolates (>60%) belonged to the non-wild type phenotype and primarily towards oxytetracycline (90%).

Conclusion

The presence of non-wild antibiotic-resistant phenotypes of heterotrophic bacterial populations (which include not only pathogenic bacteria but also probiotic bacteria) indicates that shrimp culture ponds may be a reservoir for drug-resistant bacteria and there is a greater risk associated with transmission of resistant genes across bacterial flora.

Highlights

NRI analysis of antibiotic disc diffusion data of heterotrophic bacterial populations in shrimp aquaculture environments revealed that majority of them belonged to non-wild type (90%) paticularly to oxytetracycline in comparison to other studied antibiotics (chloramphenicol, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin and co-trimoxazole).
Nitrogen and energy utilization and methane emissions of sheep grazing on annual pasture vs. native pasture
Authors: Xie Kaili , Liu Fuyao , Zhang Cheng , Hou Fujiang
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in annual pasture and native pasture on dry matter (DM) intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) and energy utilization, and methane (CH4) emission of grazing sheep, and to provide the basis for rational livestock grazing in salinized regions. The study used 10 male Hu sheep ♀ × thin-tailed Han sheep ♂ rams (20 ± 5 kg) aged 5 mo. Sheep grazing was conducted in annual pasture and native pasture using a 2 × 2 Latin square design. After a 15-d adaptation period for grazing, the digestion and metabolism experiment of sheep were conducted, while CH4 emissions were measured using sulfur hexafluoride tracer gas. DM intake did not differ between annual pasture and native pasture (P = 0.386). Meanwhile, the digestibility of DM (P < 0.001), neutral detergent fiber (P < 0.001), acid detergent fiber (P < 0.01), crude protein (P < 0.001), and ether extract (P < 0.001) of sheep grazing on native pasture was significantly higher than that of annual pasture. Sheep grazing on native pasture had increased N intake (P < 0.001) and N retained (P < 0.001) compared with those grazing on annual pasture. Digestion energy (P < 0.05) and metabolic energy (P < 0.01) of sheep grazing on annual pasture were significantly improved compared with those on native pasture, while fecal energy (P < 0.001), urine energy (P < 0.001) and CH4 energy (CH4-E) output (P < 0.001) and CH4 emission (P < 0.001) of sheep grazing on annual pasture were significantly decreased. The CH4-E/gross energy (GE) values of sheep grazing on annual pasture and native pasture were 0.09 and 0.10, respectively. In conclusion, grazing sheep have higher N utilization on native pasture, whereas grazing sheep have higher energy utilization and low CH4 emissions in annual pasture. In conclusion, annual pasture has a lower CH4-E/GE compared to native pasture, which helps in reducing environmental pollution.
Relationship of tissue dimensions and three captive bolt application sites on cadaver heads from mature swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) <200 kg body weight
Authors: Anderson Karly N , Kirk Ashlynn A , Berger Jennifer , Reyes Arquimides A , Woiwode Ruth , Zhitnitskiy Perle E , Vogel Kurt D
Published: February 2024

Penetrating captive bolt (PCB) is a common method of euthanasia for swine but has not been evaluated for mature swine < 200 kg body weight (BW). The objectives were to determine tissue depth, brain contact plane, and visible brain tissue damage (brain damage[BD]) for the common FRONTAL (F) and alternative TEMPORAL (T) and BEHIND EAR (BE) placements for PCB use on sows and boars weighing < 200 kg. Cadaver heads were obtained from 30 sows and 30 boars (estimated BW, mean ± SD; sows: 165.8 ± 22.4 kg; boars: 173.6 ± 21.4 kg) from a slaughter establishment after electrical stunning and exsanguination. Heads were cooled at 2 to 4 °C for approximately 64 h. A Jarvis PAS-Type P 0.25R PCB with a Long Stunning Rod Nosepiece Assembly and a 3.5 GR power load was used for all PCB applications at the following placements: F–3.5 cm superior to the optic orbits at midline, T–at the depression posterior to the lateral canthus of the eye within the plane between the lateral canthus and the base of the ear, or BE–directly caudal to the pinna of the ear on the same plane as the eyes and targeting the middle of the opposite eye. For sows, the bolt path was in the brain for 10/10 (100.0%, 95% CI: 69.2% to 100.0%) F, T, and BE heads. In heads that could reliably be assessed for BD, BD was detected in 10/10 (100.0%, 95% CI: 69.2% to 100.0%) F heads, 9/9 (100.0%, 95% CI: 66.4% to 100.0%) T heads, and 0/10 (0.0%, 95% CI: 0.0% to 30.1%) BE heads. For boars, the bolt path was in the plane of the brain for 8/9 (88.9%, 95% CI: 51.8% to 99.7%) F heads, 9/10 (90.0%, 95% CI: 55.5% to 99.7%) T heads, and 11/11 (100.0%, 95% CI: 71.5% to 100.0%) BE heads. In heads that could reliably be assessed for BD, BD was detected in 8/9 (88.9%, 95% CI: 51.7% to 99.7%) F heads, 7/10 (70.0%, 95% CI: 34.8% to 93.3%) T heads, and 4/11 (36.4%, 95% CI: 10.9% to 69.2%) BE heads. Tissue depth was reported as mean ± SE followed by 97.5% one-sided upper reference limit (URL). For sows, total tissue thickness differed (P < 0.05) between placements (F: 49.41 ± 2.74 mm, URL: 70.0 mm; T: 62.83 ± 1.83 mm, URL: 76.6 mm; BE: 84.63 ± 3.67 mm; URL: 112.3 mm). Total tissue thickness differed (P < 0.05) between placements for boars (F: 54.73 ± 3.23 mm, URL: 77.6 mm; T: 70.72 ± 3.60 mm, URL: 96.3 mm; BE: 92.81 ± 5.50 mm; URL: 135.3 mm). For swine between 120 and 200 kg BW, the F placement may have the greatest likelihood for successful euthanasia due to the least total tissue thickness and may present less risk for failure than the T and BE placements.
Strategies and Challenges of a Safe Fireplace Program in Rural Kenya: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hunter Mary A , Sylvester Kimutai , Rencken Camerin , White Russell E , Harrington David T , Vivier Patrick M , Parker Robert K
Published: February 2024

There is a lack of information on effective burn prevention strategies. The objective of this study was to examine a safe fireplace program, as a method of burn prevention, in a resource-limited setting. We conducted a qualitative, phenomenological study at a community health and development program for a rural population in Kenya. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of community health workers involved with the safe fireplace program. Data were reviewed iteratively and coded independently by two researchers using NVivo 12. The study included five participants. Reflections from participants fell into three main domains: (1) effective methods of education, (2) strategies to incorporate stakeholders, and (3) implementation challenges. The results of this study emphasize the importance of community engagement in implementing a successful burn injury prevention program in a resource-limited setting. The participants involved in this study reported that rather than focusing on resources outside the community, effective methods of education and strategies for incorporating stakeholders depended on involving peers and community leaders. The challenges to the program were similarly specific to community concerns about resources and maintenance. These findings provide information to guide future community health programs in creating successful models for burn prevention strategies in resource-limited areas.