bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel sequence type of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae strains from a county-level tertiary hospital in Southeastern China
Authors: Jin Lulu , Ye Tinghua , Pan Xinling
Published: October 2024

The whole-genome sequencing of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains is required for investigating the molecular epidemiology because of their diverse molecular types across geographical regions. CRKP strains were collected from a tertiary hospital in Southeastern China from January 2017 to December 2020. Following species identification, drug susceptibility phenotypes were determined based on minimum inhibitory concentrations using the VITEK 2 Compact system. In addition, whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify the resistance genes and high virulence genes (rmpA, rmpA2, iucA, iroB, and peg-344). Finally, a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the core genes. Forty CRKP strains were identified, and 25% of the involved patients (n = 10) died during hospitalization. The dominant sequence type (ST) was ST11 (65%), followed by ST290 (n = 4, 10%) and a novel ST (n = 4, assigned as ST6242, 10%). CRKP strains with this new ST were resistant to amikacin but susceptible to sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim, and the phylogenetic tree indicated that they were derived from ST11 strains. All ST6242 strains were classified as the hypervirulent type (positive for rmpA, rmpA2, iucA, and peg-344). CRKP strains with this novel ST harbored highly virulent genes and a unique resistance phenotype. Thus, they should be epidemiologically monitored.
The effect of body mass index on bone density by age distribution in women
Authors: Sermin Kilic Berna , Yildirim Aysegul , Atakul Nil
Published: October 2024

Osteoporosis significantly affects public health, especially among postmenopausal women, by reducing bone mass and increasing the risk of fractures. While the influence of body mass index (BMI) on Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is acknowledged, the specific age range in which BMI most significantly affects bone density remains unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between BMI and BMD in different age groups to identify potential age-specific risk factors for osteoporosis. In a retrospective cohort study at the University of Health Sciences Turkey, X Hospital, DXA scans of 240 postmenopausal women aged 40 to 80 were analyzed between February 2018 and February 2020. The study used statistical analyses, including ANCOVA and Pearson correlation, to investigate the effects of BMI on BMD, adjusting for age and other variables. Analysis revealed a complex interaction between BMI and BMD. Controlling for BMI showed a statistically significant difference in measurements of lumbar T, neck T, and trochanter T between age groups (P < .05). Specifically, bone density in the 40 to 49 age range was found to be lower when adjusted for BMI, suggesting that the protective effect of higher BMI is less pronounced in younger postmenopausal ages but decreases less negatively in older groups. The impact of BMI on trochanter T measurements was markedly different, increasing in the 40 to 49 age group, while decreasing in others. BMI, along with body weight and age, are important determinants of BMD, but not the sole factors influencing bone loss. The study highlights the need for a personalized approach to osteoporosis risk, considering a broader spectrum of genetic, hormonal and lifestyle factors. It recommends further evaluation of other risk factors in larger cohorts and emphasizes the importance of future longitudinal research to elucidate the dynamic relationship between BMI and BMD over time.
Construction and multiple validations of a robust ferroptosis-related prognostic model in bladder cancer: A comprehensive study
Authors: Dai Xianyu , Yu Kai , Wang Hongjie , Zhong Rong , Zhang Zhongqi , Hou Yuchuan
Published: October 2024

Ferroptosis is iron-dependent programmed cell death that inhibits tumor growth, particularly in traditional treatment-resistant tumors. Prognostic models constructed from ferroptosis-related genes are lacking; prognostic biomarkers remain insufficient. We acquired gene expression data and corresponding clinical information for bladder cancer (BC) samples from public databases. Ferroptosis-related genes from the ferroptosis database were screened for clinical predictive value. We validated gene expression differences between tumors and normal tissues through polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses were conducted to explore signaling pathways affecting the overall survival of patients with BC. CIBERSORT was used to quantify the infiltration of 22 immune cell types. We identified 6 genes (EGFR, FADS1, ISCU, PGRMC1, PTPN6, and TRIM26) to construct the prognostic risk model. The high-risk group had a poorer overall survival than the low-risk group. Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy. The validation cohort and 3 independent datasets confirmed the models’ general applicability and stability. BC tissues had elevated FADS1, PTPN6, and TRIM26 mRNA and protein levels and decreased ISCU levels. Enrichment analysis indicated that neurosecretory activity might be the main pathway affecting the overall survival. High- and low-risk groups had significantly different immune cell infiltration. Specific ferroptosis-related gene expression was associated with immune cell infiltration levels. The risk score was significantly correlated with patients’ clinical characteristics. A novel, widely applicable risk model with independent predictive value for the prognosis of patients with BC was established; candidate molecules for future BC research were identified.
Correlation between elderly patients with COPD and the impact on immunity in tuberculosis patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Yao , Zhang Yaping , Ma Nanlan , Huang Zehui
Published: October 2024

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tuberculosis (TB) is increasing globally, yet their comprehensive impact on the immune system remains underexplored. This study aimed to provide a thorough assessment of the immune status of patients with COPD and tuberculosis (TB-COPD), including their pulmonary conditions, immune cell responses, and changes in lymphocyte subpopulations. A total of 151 patients with TB-COPD patients were included, and clinical data were compared between the TB-COPD group and a group of TB patients without COPD (TB-NCOPD). Lung imaging findings and peripheral blood immune cell levels were compared between the 2 groups. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the absolute counts of lymphocyte subpopulations. The incidence of pulmonary lobe lesions and cavitation in the TB-COPD group aged 70 years or older was significantly higher than that in the control group. At the immune cell level, patients with TB-COPD showed a significant reduction in total lymphocytes, CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Regardless of COPD status, the CD4+ T cell count in the CMV-infected group was significantly lower than that in the uninfected group (P < .05). Additionally, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the COPD + TB CMV + group was significantly lower than that in the uninfected group. Analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations revealed a decrease in the counts of CD4+ T lymphocytes in patients with TB-COPD, potentially associated with the chronic inflammatory state induced by COPD. The one-month treatment outcomes showed that the improvement rate in the control group was 70.58%, which was significantly higher than the 38.92% in the COPD + TB group (P < .001). We observed a significant increase in the number of pulmonary cavity patients in the TB-COPD group, suggesting that COPD may be a potential risk factor for the formation of pulmonary cavities in patients with TB. At the immune cell level, TB-COPD patients showed a notable decrease in lymphocytes and CD4+ T lymphocytes, implying that COPD combined with pulmonary TB may significantly affect the immune system, leading to a reduction in the counts of key immune cells.
Meta-analysis of the curative effect of sacral nerve magnetic stimulation on neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury
Authors: Yu Xingxing , Chen Jianye , Liu Mingda , Li Yunfei , Jia Yuyan , Zhan Hongsheng , Wang Xukai
Published: October 2024

Background:

The curative effect of sacral nerve magnetic stimulation on the neurogenic bladder (NB) after spinal cord injury (SCI) is unclear. This study made a meta-analysis of the curative effect of sacral nerve magnetic stimulation on the NB after SCI and put forward a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of this disease.

Methods:

The databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP, and CBM were searched by computer, and the randomized controlled trials of sacral nerve magnetic stimulation in the treatment of NB after SCI were collected. The retrieval time was from the establishment of the database to September 25, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed with Stata 15.0 software.

Results:

This study finally included 10 articles, including 537 patients. Meta-analysis shows that the sacral nerve magnetic stimulation treatment group can effectively improve urodynamics: the maximum bladder capacity increases (mean difference [MD], 40.76 [95% confidence interval (CI), 33.24–48.28]; P ˂ .05), the bladder capacity increases at the beginning of urination (MD, 12.82 [95% CI, 11.02–14.62]; P ˂ .05), and the residual urine volume decreases (MD, −38.08 [95% CI, −51.36 to −24.79]; P˂.05). In the aspect of urination diary, the sacral nerve magnetic stimulation treatment group also has advantages compared with the conventional treatment group: the increase in single urine volume (MD, 22.49 [95% CI, 18.68–26.30]; P˂.05), the maximum urine volume (MD, 32.84 [95% CI, 22.37–43.30]; P˂.05), and the decrease in urination times (MD, −2.23 [95% CI, −3.13 to −1.33]; P˂.05). After the treatment of sacral nerve magnetic stimulation, the quality of life of patients can be improved: quality-of-life score (MD, −0.62 [95% CI, −0.91 to −0.34]; P˂.05).

Conclusion:

Combined with functional magnetic stimulation of the sacral nerve, routine treatment is superior to routine treatment in improving the clinical symptoms of patients with NB after SCI.
Negative outcome in cutaneous Mycobacterium marinum infection treated with surgical intervention: Two-case report
Authors: Sang Bo , Xia Xiujiao , Liu Zehu
Published: October 2024

Rationale:

Mycobacterium marinum (M marinum), a slow-growing nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM), is widely distributed in aquatic environments. It is a well-known cutaneous pathogen, which causes sporotrichosis-like lesions.

Patient concerns:

In this report, we describe 2 cases of subcutaneous M marinum infection. Both patients underwent several surgical procedures at local hospitals, and despite optimal surgical site healing, new lesions appeared in adjacent sites.

Diagnoses:

Based on NTM culture, identification by gene sequencing, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, the diagnosis of subcutaneous NTM infection was confirmed.

Interventions:

The patients were treated with oral rifampicin 0.45 g/day and clarithromycin 1 g/day and oral doxycycline hydrochloride capsules (200 mg/day), respectively.

Outcomes:

Both patients were treated for 8 and 5 weeks, respectively, and the lesions healed.

Lessons:

Surgical debridement cannot compete with or impede NTM lymphatic spread; antimicrobial therapy is the first choice for the treatment of M marinum infections.
DDHD2 is involved in the malignant progression of early luminal A breast cancer by changing cell membrane proteins and immune responses functionality
Authors: Song Yawen , Guo Liantao , Kong Deguang , Sun Shengrong
Published: October 2024

Background

Luminal A breast cancer has the best prognosis of all malignant breast cancer types. In clinical practice, some patients with luminal A breast cancer present with small tumors (usually <20 mm) but with lymph node metastases or even distant organ metastasis. Owing to their insensitivity to chemotherapy and the lack of conclusive clinical evidence, there is a significant gap in research on luminal A breast cancer with high invasiveness. This study aimed to identify genes that drive the invasiveness of luminal A breast cancer and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

In this study, we first utilized bioinformatics techniques to analyze differentially expressed mRNAs and enrich common functional pathways to identify the target gene DDHD domain containing 2 (DDHD2). We then evaluated the association between DDHD2 expression and patient prognosis, genetic material changes, and transcriptional, translational, and immune responses in luminal A breast cancer. We also conducted experiments at the molecular and cellular levels to validate these biochemical mechanisms.

Results

The expression of DDHD2 varied between patients with low-grade luminal A breast cancer with and without lymph node metastases. Our findings demonstrated that DDHD2 exerted carcinogenic effects through various pathways by altering cell adhesion and migration, regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis cycles, and suppressing immune responses. Moreover, a pathway through which DDHD2 inhibited immunity was preliminarily verified.

Conclusions

The results revealed a novel role for DDHD2 in promoting the malignant transformation and invasiveness of luminal A breast cancer. Considering its effects on the tumor microenvironment and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, DDHD2 is proposed as a reliable direction for future immunotherapy and a potential target in luminal A breast cancer immune resistance.
Long-term volume retention of breast augmentation with fat grafting depends on weight changes: a three-year prospective MRI study
Authors: Ørholt Mathias , Weltz Tim K. , Hemmingsen Mathilde N. , Larsen Andreas , Bak Erik E. F. , Norlin Caroline B. , Hart Liv , Elberg Jens Jørgen , Vester-Glowinski Peter V. , Herly Mikkel
Published: October 2024

Background:

Fat grafting is increasingly used for breast augmentation. However, long-term volume retention, time to reach steady state, and the effect of postoperative weight changes on these outcomes are not fully understood.

Methods:

In this prospective study, we included patients undergoing breast augmentation with fat grafting and examined them with MRI preoperatively and up to three years postoperatively. We modeled fat graft retention over time and calculated the time to volumetric steady state of the fat graft. Secondly, we used our model to assess the effect of postoperative weight changes on fat graft retention and to determine the association between the graft/recipient volume ratio and the percentage breast augmentation at steady state. Finally, we assessed patient satisfaction using the BREAST-Q questionnaire.

Results:

The study included 28 patients (46 breasts). The time to steady state was 253 days (95%CI 185-283) postoperatively, with a volume retention of 46% (95%CI 35-58). Patients with a weight loss of one BMI point after surgery had a volume retention of 22% (95%CI 4.7-38) while those increasing one and two BMI points had retention rates of 57% (95%CI 45-69) and 85% (95%CI 72-98), respectively. Increasing graft/recipient volume ratio was associated with higher percentage augmentation with no plateau in this relationship even up to ratios of 2:1. Postoperative satisfaction with breasts and sexual well-being increased substantially.

Conclusions:

Breast augmentation with fat grafting reached volumetric steady state after 8 months with a volume retention of 46%. Weight loss following fat grafting leads to significantly lower volume retention.
Using Stay Interviews as a Quality Improvement Tool for Healthcare Workforce Retention
Authors: McCoy Matthew , Cannedy Shay , Oishi Kristina , Canelo Ismelda , Hamilton Alison B. , Olmos-Ochoa Tanya T.
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives:

The novel coronavirus of 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic exacerbated already persistent health care workforce issues—eg, overwhelming workloads, chronic understaffing, and burnout—associated with turnover intent and actual turnover. While turnover may be inevitable, strategies that help organizations anticipate and mitigate its impact require knowledge about how employees are experiencing their work (not just performing) on an ongoing basis. Unlike performance appraisals, “stay interviewsing” is a proactive management approach to assess the organizational and personal factors that influence current employees’ retention in their roles (ie, why they stay). We describe our process of developing and using a stay interview guide with current Women’s Health Patient-Aligned Care Teams (WH-PACT) employees and comment on the feasibility of conducting these interviews, their acceptability by participating employees, and their potential application to inform retention strategies in learning health systems (LHS) like the Veterans Health Administration (VA).

Methods:

We conducted 24 stay interviews with current WH-PACT employees, including women’s health primary care providers (WH-PCPs, n = 7), registered nurses (RNs, n = 6), licensed practical nurses (LPNs, n = 6), and medical support assistants (MSAs, n = 5) with established tenure (greater than 3 years for MSAs and LPNs, and greater than 5 years for RNs and WH-PCPs) at VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics. Using rapid qualitative analysis, we summarized interview transcripts for preliminary insights that describe the utility of stay interviews to collect feedback on clinician and non-clinician employees’ experiences of work in VA women’s health primary care.

Results:

The responses and feedback from our participants indicate that stay interviews are potentially feasible for LHS to use as a retention tool and are acceptable to employees for sharing their perspectives.

Conclusion:

We discuss who should conduct stay interviews and the potential ethical implications organizations must consider before conducting them.
Mitigating Medical Adverse Events Following Spinal Surgery: The Effectiveness of a Postoperative Quality Improvement (QI) Care Bundle
Authors: Moskven Eryck , Craig Michael , Banaszek Daniel , Inglis Tom , Belanger Lise , Sayre Eric C. , Ailon Tamir , Charest-Morin Raphaële , Dea Nicolas , Dvorak Marcel F. , Fisher Charles G. , Kwon Brian K. , Paquette Scott , Chittock Dean R. , Griesdale Donald E.G. , Street John T.
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives:

Spine surgery is associated with a high incidence of postoperative medical adverse events (AEs). Many of these events are considered “minor” though their cost and effect on outcome may be underestimated. We sought to examine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a postoperative quality improvement (QI) care bundle in mitigating postoperative medical AEs in adult surgical spine patients.

Methods:

We collected 14-year prospective observational interrupted time series (ITS) with two historical cohorts: 2006 to 2008, pre-implementation of the postoperative QI care bundle; and 2009 to 2019, post-implementation of the postoperative QI care bundle. Adverse Events were identified and graded (Minor I and II) using the previously validated Spine AdVerse Events Severity (SAVES) system. Pearson Correlation tested for changes across patient and surgical variables. Adjusted segmented regression estimated the effect of the postoperative QI care bundle on the annual and absolute incidences of medical AEs between the two periods. A cost model estimated the annual cumulative cost savings through preventing these “minor” medical AEs.

Results:

We included 13,493 patients over the study period with a mean of 964 per year (SD ± 73). Mean age, mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and mean spine surgical invasiveness index (SSII) increased from 48.4 to 58.1 years; 1.7 to 2.6; and 15.4 to 20.5, respectively (p < 0.001). Unadjusted analysis confirmed a significant decrease in the annual number of all medical AEs (p < 0.01). When adjusting for age, CCI and SSII, segmented regression demonstrated a significant absolute reduction in the annual incidence of cardiac, pulmonary, nausea and medication-related AEs by 9.58%, 7.82%, 11.25% and 15.01%, respectively (p < 0.01). The postoperative QI care bundle was not associated with reducing the annual incidence of delirium, electrolyte levels or GI AEs. Annual projected cost savings for preventing Grade I and II medical AEs were $1,808,300 CAD and $11,961,500 CAD.

Conclusion:

Postoperative QI care bundles are effective for improving patient care and preventing medical care-related AEs, with significant cost savings. Postoperative QI care bundles should be tailored to the specific vulnerability of the surgical population for experiencing AEs.
Social ageing can protect against infectious disease in a group-living primate
Authors: Siracusa Erin R. , Pavez-Fox Melissa A. , Negron-Del Valle Josué E. , Phillips Daniel , Platt Michael L. , Snyder-Mackler Noah , Higham James P. , Brent Lauren J. N. , Silk Matthew J.
Published: October 2024

The benefits of social living are well established, but sociality also comes with costs, including infectious disease risk. This cost–benefit ratio of sociality is expected to change across individuals’ lifespans, which may drive changes in social behaviour with age. To explore this idea, we combine data from a group-living primate for which social ageing has been described with epidemiological models to show that having lower social connectedness when older can protect against the costs of a hypothetical, directly transmitted endemic pathogen. Assuming no age differences in epidemiological characteristics (susceptibility to, severity and duration of infection), older individuals suffered lower infection costs, which was explained largely because they were less connected in their social networks than younger individuals. This benefit of ‘social ageing’ depended on epidemiological characteristics and was greatest when infection severity increased with age. When infection duration increased with age, social ageing was beneficial only when pathogen transmissibility was low. Older individuals benefited most from having a lower frequency of interactions (strength) and network embeddedness (closeness) and benefited less from having fewer social partners (degree). Our study provides a first examination of the epidemiology of social ageing, demonstrating the potential for pathogens to influence the evolutionary dynamics of social ageing in natural populations.

This article is part of the discussion meeting issue ‘Understanding age and society using natural populations’.
Circular RNA AEBP2: A novel regulator in dendritic cell development
Authors: Zhou Qinfeng , Wang Bowen , Li Shuailong , Greasley Adam , Min Weiping , Vareki Samen Maleki , Zheng Xiufen
Published: October 2024

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the main antigen-presenting cells and play a central role in activating adaptive immunity. How DCs is regulated during their development remains to be further elucidated. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a new type of non-coding RNA playing a critical in various cell events. However, little is known about the role of circRNA in DCs. Usingin situRNA hybridization, we found that DCs expressed exonic circular RNA AEBP2 (circAEBP2). circAEBP2 was upregulated in mature DCs compared to immature DCs. Knockdown of circAEBP2 in DCs using small interference RNA (siRNA) arrested DCs at an immature state with lower expression of MHC class II, CD40, CD80, and CD83. circAEBP2 knockdown in DCs also decreased the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (P-p65) but increased CD200R1. CircAEBP2-silenced DCs had a lower capacity to activate allogeneic CD4+and CD8+T cellsin vitroand induced differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). RNA immunoprecipitation assays revealed that circAEBP2 interacts with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein F (hnRNP F) which is highly expressed in DCs and subsequently prevented hnRNP F nuclear translocation. In conclusion, we demonstrate that circAEBP2 regulates the development and function of DCs and knockdown of circAEBP2 induces tolerogenic DCs (Tol-DCs) through interacting with the hnRNP F/CD200R1/P-p65 signaling pathway. circAEBP2 is a new regulator in DCs and modulating it provides a novel strategy for inducing Tol-DCs.
Surveillance for Opioid-Associated Amnestic Syndrome in Canada, 2010-2022
Authors: Barash Jed
Published: October 2024

Objectives

A single diagnostic code could be used to perform surveillance for opioid-associated amnestic syndrome (OAS) in healthcare datasets on a national scale.

Methods

A request was submitted to search the Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) and the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (NACRS) in Canada for the ICD-10-CA code, F11.6 (mental and behavioural disorders due to use of opioids, amnesic syndrome) during fiscal years (FY) 2010-2011 through 2022-2023. The annual total of encounters using this code was determined and crude rates per million were calculated for the Canadian population represented.

Results

National counts from DAD and NACRS combined ranged from <5 to 14 annually. Rates per million for available years fell between 0.17 and 0.48. For available data through FY 2015-2016, the mean number of annual combined encounters nationally was 6.3; for those years after, the mean was 10. The mean rate per million was 0.23 and 0.35 for these two periods, respectively.

Discussion

This study represents the first effort to conduct surveillance for OAS on a national scale and suggests that the condition is relatively rare. Future efforts to validate the coded diagnosis of OAS with confirmed cases will help determine its value as a surveillance tool.
Developing new technologies to protect ecosystems: planning with adaptive management
Authors: Pascal Luz V. , Chadès Iadine , Adams Matthew P. , Helmstedt Kate J.
Published: October 2024

Technology development is an essential investment for policymakers to address contemporary global crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, the energy transition, and emergent infectious diseases. However, investing limited resources in the development of new technologies is risky. The research and development process is unpredictable, with unknown timelines and outcomes. In addition, even after successful development, the effects of deploying a new technology remain uncertain. When confronted with these uncertainties, policymakers must determine how long they should allocate resources to developing new technologies. Informed decisions require anticipating possible successes and failures of both technology development and deployment, which is a challenging optimisation task when managing dynamic systems, such as threatened ecological systems. Using an adaptive management approach from Artificial Intelligence, we discover a time limit new technologies should be developed for, which balances costs, benefits, and uncertainties during development and deployment. We extract clear and transparent general rules for investing in new technologies, building on an analytical approximation. Using Australia’s Great Barrier Reef as a case study, we demonstrate how characteristics of the managed system influence the optimal investment strategy. Our approach can inform the development of new technologies in multiple domains including biodiversity conservation, public health, energy production, and the technology industry more broadly.

Significance

Technology development is essential to address the crises our world faces, such as ecosystem collapse. With limited resources, policymakers must decide whether to invest in developing new technologies and, if ever, when to stop. Informed decisions require anticipating possible failures of both technology development and deployment, a challenging task when dealing with changing systems. Using an Artificial

Intelligence approach, we find a time limit for technology development that depends on characteristics of the managed ecosystem. This work can guide technology investments in many domains such as biodiversity conservation, epidemiology, energy production and the technology industry more broadly.
MultiSeq-AMR: A modular amplicon-sequencing workflow for rapid detection of bloodstream infection and antimicrobial resistance markers
Authors: Sajib Mohammad Saiful Islam , Oravcova Katarina , Brunker Kirstyn , Everest Paul , Galarion Ma Jowina H. , Fuentes Manuel , Wilson Catherine , Murphy Michael E. , Forde Taya
Published: October 2024

Bloodstream infections (BSI) represent a significant global health challenge, and traditional diagnostic methods are suboptimal for timely guiding targeted antibiotic therapy. We introduce MultiSeq-AMR, an ultra-fast amplicon sequencing workflow to identify bacterial and fungal species, and a comprehensive set of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes (n = 91) for BSI diagnosis. We initially benchmarked MultiSeq-AMR using DNA from 21 bacterial and fungal isolates and accurately identified 100% species and 99.4% AMR genes. Further validation with 33 BACT/ALERT positive samples from suspected BSI cases revealed 100% accuracy for pathogen identification with mono-bacterial samples, with 97.4% categorical agreement (CA) for AMR gene prediction. To accelerate diagnosis, 6-hour culture-enrichment combined with MultiSeq-AMR identified 11/13 species with 96% CA for AMR gene identification. MultiSeq-AMR holds promise for improving patient outcomes as species/AMR genes could be identified in under 5 hours of BACT/ALERT positivity, and potentially <11 hours of sample collection.
New framework for the surveillance and early warning of influenza: fixed individuals regular reporting mechanism
Authors: Sun Xiaoyue , Wang Hongwei , Yang Gongke , Guo Ruifang , Zhang Shan , Chai Ruiyu , Qu Shifang , Liu Siyu
Published: October 2024

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Influenza is not only a major burden on human health, but also a major public health challenge, so it is very necessary to conduct surveillance and early warning of influenza. However, the existing monitoring system is mainly based on sentinel monitoring, which has some limitations in information feedback and reliability. Other new monitoring systems also have shortcomings such as insufficient representation and comprehensive coverage. Therefore, we propose a regional influenza surveillance method based on fixed individuals. This method refers to the epidemic characteristics of influenza, selects representative fixed monitoring individuals, and makes them directly upload their physical conditions on a regular basis to judge the occurrence or not of influenza, and determines the judgment method of the severity of influenza. Our proposed method can detect influenza timely and accurately and give early warning, and make more effective use of health resources, which is of great significance for the development of influenza surveillance system. In addition, the monitoring of influenza will play an important role in the monitoring and early warning of new infectious diseases. Importantly, the surveillance method based on fixed individuals can provide a theoretical basis for the cross-sectional study of infectious diseases and make up the gap in the cohort study of infectious diseases. Meanwhile, the collection of symptom information mentioned in this method is conducive to updating the etiological information and summarizing the epidemic characteristics of influenza, providing further support for the early warning and prevention of influenza.

Significance Statement

We propose a new method for monitoring influenza epidemics by regularly reporting the health status of individuals and propose criteria for different levels of influenza alert severity. Our results validate the feasibility of this method, which can detect influenza timely and accurately and make early warning, and use health resources more effectively. The results of this study provide a new perspective for the surveillance of emerging infectious diseases and provide theoretical support for the cohort study of infectious diseases.
Sommerfeld enhancement at NLO and the dark matter unitarity bound
Authors: Bottaro Salvatore , Redigolo Diego
Published: October 2024

We reexamine the consequences of perturbative unitarity on dark matter freeze-out when both Sommerfeld enhancement and bound state formation affect dark matter annihilations. At leading order the annihilation cross section is infrared dominated and the connection between the unitarity bound and the upper bound on the dark matter mass depends only on how the different partial waves are populated. We compute how this picture is modified at next-to-leading order with the goal of assigning a reliable theory uncertainty to the freeze-out predictions. We explicitly compute next-to-leading order corrections in a simple model with Abelian gauge interactions and provide an estimate of the theoretical uncertainty for the thermal masses of heavy electroweak n-plets. Along the way, we clarify the regularization and matching procedure necessary to deal with singular potentials in quantum mechanics with a calculable, relativistic UV completion.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A narrative inquiry of an undergraduate student in TEFL in developing her identity as an engaged reader
Authors: Marom Nailil , Ferdiansyah Sandi
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This retrospective narrative inquiry explored an undergraduate student’s lived experience in negotiating her identity as an engaged reader of English as a foreign language.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative inquiry was employed to gain a deeper and better understanding of the participant’s engagement in reading courses. Olif (pseudonym, female) was recruited due to her significant learning achievements and willingness to share her experiences. To collect the data, we conducted several online interviews with her. To triangulate our findings, we also asked her to share her learning artifacts from the reading courses.

Findings

The thematic analysis revealed two major findings. First, her reading engagement is driven by both personal and academic motivation. Furthermore, her involvement in collaborative reading tasks fosters a deeper comprehension of texts and enhances creativity.

Research limitations/implications

The study has two major limitations. First, it interviewed only one student and was conducted over a relatively short period. Second, it examined the participant’s experience across three different reading courses, which potentially lacks deeper insights into how each course uniquely contributes to learning engagement.

Originality/value

The study concludes that promoting personalized and collaborative reading tasks enables undergraduate students to develop their identity as engaged readers. Despite focusing on a single participant, this study offers a unique perspective on how the participant’s voice can potentially impact teachers’ pedagogical design in reading classrooms.
Mechanisms that enhance Internet of Things engagement
Authors: Soltani Sadia , Freytag Per Vagn , Gretzinger Susanne
Published: October 2024

Purpose

By drawing on previous research on mechanism-based explanations and business-to-business engagement, the purpose of this study is to identify and define mechanisms that enhance Internet of Things (IoT) engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

By positioning the study within the paradigm of critical realism (CR), this paper used multiple case study research. This paper applied 12 in-depth, semi-structured interviews, an observation and firm documents as data-gathering tools.

Findings

This paper argues that the higher-level phenomenon (Institutional logic of the IoT ecosystem) leads to a higher-level outcome (IoT engagement). As lower-level situational mechanisms, this paper found IoT readiness and transparency in the ecosystem. Action-formation mechanisms were acknowledged as communication, availability of an IoT interface, and support. Commitment, trust, satisfaction and software maintenance and updates were recognized as transformational mechanisms.

Practical implications

The findings will help managers to understand which mechanisms to focus on when forming engagement strategies for onboarding new actors and strengthening relationships with existing actors. Furthermore, this paper suggests considering the IoT readiness of new actors more critically, as this mechanism was found to be the most crucial one for an early stage of engagement in an IoT ecosystem.

Originality/value

This study helps understand the causal structures behind engagement and enhances the theoretical and practical domain of IoT engagement. In addition, this study demonstrates the value of applying CR for generating knowledge about a phenomenon through causal explanations.
The eMoney revolution: how culture and technology drive adoption and use?
Authors: Rahmiati Rahmiati , Hoque Mohammad Enamul , Susanto Perengki , Al Mamun Abdullah , Mazumder Md Arif Hossain , Ahmed Riyashad
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The use of electronic money (eMoney) as a noncash payment method is gaining popularity globally. However, the usages of eMoney are culturally influenced and can vary within a country. These cultural disparities can result in divergent patterns of eMoney adoption and use. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption and use of eMoney in Indonesia. This study integrated the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model with Hofstede’s cultural dimensions to develop a framework examining both technological and cultural perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through an online survey of 484 Indonesians and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results showed that the constructs of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model, namely, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions, all had a significant impact on behavioral intention to adopt eMoney as well as actual usage. However, not all of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions moderated these relationships as hypothesized. Surprisingly, masculinity/femininity and power distance emerged as important moderators of eMoney usage.

Practical implications

This integrated model provides valuable insights into how to consider cultural influences when designing strategies to promote new payment technologies in Indonesia. The findings point to both technological and cultural factors shaping patterns of adoption and use of eMoney in the country.

Originality/value

Although many research has looked at how culture affects the acceptability of technology in banking, few studies have looked at how culture affects the use of mobile money. This study offers a valuable contribution by investigating how Indonesian culture moderates the relationship between behavioral intentions and actual use of eMoney. The findings provide guidance for practitioners seeking to facilitate eMoney services in developing markets by elucidating the cultural factors that most influence customer adoption. As such, this research fills an important gap regarding the understudied domain of mobile money and its intersection with national culture.
Investigation of mechanical properties in FFF- produced PLA samples using the Erichsen test: application of definitive screening and RSM
Authors: Demir Sermet
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how printing parameters affect the mechanical properties of specimens produced through fused filament fabrication, using the Erichsen test to assess deformation characteristics and material durability under stress.

Design/methodology/approach

Polylactic acid (PLA) specimens were printed and tested in accordance with the ISO 20482 standard. Definitive screening was conducted to identify the most influential process parameters. This study examined the effects of four key process parameters – number of layers, layer height, crossing angle and nozzle diameter – on force, distension, peak energy and energy to break. Each parameter was assessed at three levels and a large number of required experiments was managed by using response surface methodology (RSM).

Findings

This study revealed that the number of layers, layer height and crossing angle are the most significant factors that influence the mechanical properties of 3D-printed materials. The number of layers had the greatest impact on the peak force, contributing 44.25%, with thicker layers typically enhancing material strength. The layer height has a significant effect on energy absorption and deformation, with greater layer heights generally improving these properties. Nozzle diameter contributed only 1.10%, making it the least influential factor; however, its impact became more pronounced in interactions with other parameters.

Originality/value

This paper presents a comprehensive experimental investigation into the effects of process parameters on the crack strength and behavior of 3D-printed PLA specimens using the RSM method. The documented results can be used to develop optimization models aimed at achieving desired mechanical properties with reduced variation and uncertainty in the final product.
“Politics Are Quite Beneath the Concern of the Average Billjim”: Politics and the First World War Anzacs, 1914–1918
Authors: Reynaud Daniel
Published: October 2024

The politics of Australia during First World War have been analysed in depth by many scholars, but little attention has been paid to the politics of the soldiers of the First Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Though often assumed to have been not interested in politics, this article demonstrates that they engaged in politics at multiple levels. They were concerned about decision making and power relationships within the AIF, in international circles and within the British empire. They were also active on a range of domestic political issues, particularly around volunteering and conscription, but also with other federal, state, and local issues. They engaged in the politics of shaping the “digger” legacy. Pre‐war ideologies, particularly on class issues and religion, were influential in shaping soldier political engagement and responses. Far from being political innocents, the Anzacs showed themselves to be interested and active in a range of political arenas.
Impact of routine pre‐operative risk assessment on patients undergoing emergency major abdominal surgery in a regional Victorian hospital
Authors: Cox Jason Douglas , Dunley Frank , Tian Jia , Booth Kate , Paynter Jessica , Lee Chun Hin Angus
Published: October 2024

Background

Routine preoperative risk assessment (RPRA) using objective risk prediction tools may improve the perioperative outcomes of emergency major abdominal surgery (EMAS). This project aims to identify whether the introduction of RPRA with the ‘National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) Calculator’ as standard‐of‐care for EMAS at a regional Victorian hospital has improved postoperative outcomes, reduced unplanned postoperative critical care unit (CCU) admission rates, and impacted the ‘no‐lap’ rate.

Methods

An audit was performed including all adult general surgery patients who required EMAS at Bendigo Health between September 2017 and August 2022, including those palliated up‐front. Patients requiring surgery for uncomplicated appendicitis, cholecystitis, trauma, and diagnostic laparoscopy were excluded. Patient demographics, preoperative NELA score, CCU admission data and postoperative outcomes were collected and compared between patients undergoing surgery before and after the introduction of RPRA.

Results

Six hundred and ninety‐one patients were included in the analysis. Median NELA score was 5 (IQR 1.5–11.75). 2.60% of patients were palliated up‐front and did not proceed to surgery. Among the 673 operative patients, 30‐day mortality was 5.20%. Following the introduction of RPRA there was a significant reduction in the unplanned CCU admission rate, from 9.14% to 3.48% (P = 0.04). There was no change in postoperative mortality, severe complication rate or planned CCU admission rate.

Conclusion

RPRA reduced rate of unplanned CCU admissions. Postoperative mortality and complication rates did not change following introduction of RPRA. RPRA appears useful in guidance of preoperative palliative decision‐making, but further study is required to validate its use in this context.
Parity Moderates the Socioeconomic Predictors of Birth Setting Choice
Authors: Dembélé Ahoua , Peters Bethlehem , Tumin Dmitry
Published: October 2024

Background

The increase in the number of people choosing community birth has raised interest in understanding the factors that influence birth setting choices. This study investigates how parity influences the association between maternal socioeconomic factors and choice of community versus hospital birth.

Methods

We used 2009–2021 US birth certificate data to identify community births (planned home or birth center births), parity, and maternal characteristics, including Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program participation, race, ethnicity, educational attainment, marital status, body mass index (BMI), and age. Parity was interacted with each covariate in a multivariable logistic regression model of birth setting.

Results

Among 26,526,010 eligible births, 58% were to multiparous mothers, with 1.9% occurring in a birth center or at home. For most maternal characteristics, associations with community birth were stronger in the multiparous group compared to the nulliparous group. For example, being married was associated with greater odds of community birth in both groups, but the strength of this association was greater within the multiparous group (odds ratio 4.00 vs. 1.94, interaction p < 0.001). The same pattern (stronger association with community birth in the multiparous group than in the primiparous group) was observed for race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and WIC participation, all of which were associated with lower odds of community birth.

Conclusion

This study shows that parity significantly moderates associations between maternal socioeconomic characteristics and birth setting, implying studies of decision‐making in this context should purposively stratify samples and analyses by parity.
Parents' use of sustained shared thinking during joint mathematics activities with young children: An investigation of its measurement, antecedents, and outcomes
Authors: Cheung Sum Kwing , Kwan Joyce Lok Yin , Chan Winnie Wai Lan , Kum Bertha H. C. , Ho Pui Lam
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims

There is currently a dearth of tools to assess parents' use of effective interactive strategies for supporting early mathematics learning. One potential such strategy is sustained shared thinking. This study therefore constructed and validated a scale for measuring parents' use of sustained shared thinking during joint mathematics activities with young children, and examined its antecedents and outcomes.

Methods

Four hundred and sixty‐six parents completed a questionnaire about their conceptions of mathematics teaching and learning, home practices, as well as their kindergarten children's approach and avoidance motivation to learn mathematics. Additionally, the children were tested on numeration skills.

Results and Conclusion

Results showed that our new scale has three factors: exchanging ideas with children about mathematical problem‐solving processes, creating a child‐centred atmosphere for mathematics learning, and engaging children in mathematical thinking. Parents' uses of these three strategies were predicted by their constructivist conception of mathematics teaching and learning, and were differentially associated with the children's numeration skills, approach, and avoidance motivation to learn mathematics. Potential uses of our new scale in future home mathematics environment research are discussed.