bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-infarction ventricular septal defect: percutaneous or surgical management in the UK national registry
Authors: Giblett Joel P , Matetic Andrija , Jenkins David , Ng Choo Y , Venuraju Shreenidhi , MacCarthy Tobias , Vibhishanan Jonathan , O’Neill John P , Kirmani Bilal H , Pullan D Mark , Stables Rod H , Andrews Jack , Buttinger Nicolas , Kim Wan Cheol , Kanyal Ritesh , Butler Megan A , Butler Robert , George Sudhakar , Khurana Ayush , Crossland David S , Marczak Jakub , Smith William H T , Thomson John D R , Bentham James R , Clapp Brian R , Buch Mamta , Hayes Nicholas , Byrne Jonathan , MacCarthy Philip , Aggarwal Suneil K , Shapiro Leonard M , Turner Mark S , de Giovanni Joe , Northridge David B , Hildick-Smith David , Mamas Mamas A , Calvert Patrick A
Published: September 2022

Aims

Post-infarction ventricular septal defect (PIVSD) is a mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with a poor prognosis. Surgical repair is the mainstay of treatment, although percutaneous closure is increasingly undertaken.

Methods and resuts

Patients treated with surgical or percutaneous repair of PIVSD (2010–2021) were identified at 16 UK centres. Case note review was undertaken. The primary outcome was long-term mortality. Patient groups were allocated based upon initial management (percutaneous or surgical). Three-hundred sixty-two patients received 416 procedures (131 percutaneous, 231 surgery). 16.1% of percutaneous patients subsequently had surgery. 7.8% of surgical patients subsequently had percutaneous treatment. Times from AMI to treatment were similar [percutaneous 9 (6–14) vs. surgical 9 (4–22) days, P = 0.18]. Surgical patients were more likely to have cardiogenic shock (62.8% vs. 51.9%, P = 0.044). Percutaneous patients were substantially older [72 (64–77) vs. 67 (61–73) years, P < 0.001] and more likely to be discussed in a heart team setting. There was no difference in long-term mortality between patients (61.1% vs. 53.7%, P = 0.17). In-hospital mortality was lower in the surgical group (55.0% vs. 44.2%, P = 0.048) with no difference in mortality after hospital discharge (P = 0.65). Cardiogenic shock [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.97 (95% confidence interval 1.37–2.84), P < 0.001), percutaneous approach [aHR 1.44 (1.01–2.05), P = 0.042], and number of vessels with coronary artery disease [aHR 1.22 (1.01–1.47), P = 0.043] were independently associated with long-term mortality.

Conclusion

Surgical and percutaneous repair are viable options for management of PIVSD. There was no difference in post-discharge long-term mortality between patients, although in-hospital mortality was lower for surgery.
Determinants of dropout and compliance of children participating in a multidisciplinary intervention programme for overweight and obesity in socially deprived areas
Authors: Hassan Hevy , Snoeck Henkemans Selinde , van Teeffelen Jolande , Kornelisse Kees , Bindels Patrick J E , Koes Bart W , van Middelkoop Marienke
Published: September 2022

Background

Children with overweight and obesity in socially deprived areas (SDAs) are less likely to complete and be compliant to a weight-loss programme.

Objectives

To identify factors associated with dropout and compliance of a multidisciplinary weight-loss programme in SDA.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal cohort study included children (6–12 years) with overweight and obesity in a 12-week multidisciplinary intervention living in SDA in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Potential predictive variables for dropout and compliance included were age, sex, the weight of the child and parents, quality of life, and referral status (self-registration or referral). A Cox proportional hazards model was performed to study the association between dropout and its potential predictive variables, whereas logistic regression analyses were used for the potential predictors for compliance.

Results

A total of 121 children started the intervention programme. Forty-one (33.9%) children dropped out and 68 (56.2%) were compliant with the intervention. The risk of dropping out of the intervention was significantly lower for a child with overweight parents than for those with parents with normal weight (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.22 [95% confidence interval, CI 0.063–0.75]), and for those with parents with obesity (adjusted HR 0.18 [95% CI 0.060–0.52]). No other potential predictive variables were associated with dropout or compliance.

Conclusion

Children from SDA participating in a weight-loss programme have a relatively high dropout and a low compliance rate. Parental weight seems to be an important predictor for dropout of children from SDA, where children with normal weight or obese parents have the highest risk of dropout compared with children of overweight parents.
Tracking spoilage bacteria in the tuna microbiome
Authors: Gadoin Elsa , Desnues Christelle , Bouvier Thierry , Roque D'orbcastel Emmanuelle , Auguet Jean-Christophe , Crochemore Sandrine , Adingra Antoinette , Bettarel Yvan
Published: September 2022

Like other seafood products, tuna is highly perishable and sensitive to microbial spoilage. Its consumption, whether fresh or canned, can lead to severe food poisoning due to the activity of specific microorganisms, including histamine-producing bacteria. Yet, many grey areas persist regarding their ecology, conditions of emergence, and proliferation in fish. In this study, we used 16S rRNA barcoding to investigate postmortem changes in the bacteriome of fresh and brine-frozen yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), until late stages of decomposition (i.e. 120 h). The results revealed that despite standard refrigeration storage conditions (i.e. 4°C), a diverse and complex spoilage bacteriome developed in the gut and liver. The relative abundance of spoilage bacterial taxa increased rapidly in both organs, representing 82% of the bacterial communities in fresh yellowfin tuna, and less than 30% in brine-frozen tuna. Photobacterium was identified as one of the dominant bacterial genera, and its temporal dynamics were positively correlated with histamine concentration in both gut and liver samples, which ultimately exceeded the recommended sanitary threshold of 50 ppm in edible parts of tuna. The results from this study show that the sanitary risks associated with the consumption of this widely eaten fish are strongly influenced by postcapture storage conditions.
Modelling tree diameter of less commonly planted tree species in New Zealand using a machine learning approach
Authors: Lin Yue , Salekin Serajis , Meason Dean F
Published: September 2022

A better understanding of forest growth and dynamics in a changing environment can aid sustainable forest management. Forest growth and dynamics data are typically captured by inventorying a large network of sample plots. Analysing these forest inventory datasets to make precise forecasts on growth can be challenging as they often consist of unbalanced, repeated measures data collected across large geographic areas with corresponding environmental gradients. In addition, such datasets are rarely available for less commonly planted tree species, and are often incomplete and even more unbalanced. Conventional statistical approaches are not able to deal with such datasets and identify the different factors that interactively affect forest growth. Machine learning approaches offer the potential to overcome some of the challenges with modelling complex forest dynamics in response to environmental and climatic factors, even with unbalanced inventory data. In this study, we employed a widely used machine learning algorithm (random forests) to model individual tree diameter at breast height (DBH, 1.4 m) in response to age, stocking, site and climatic factors for the following five less commonly planted tree species groups in New Zealand: Cupressus lusitanica (North Island); Cupressus macrocarpa (South Island); Eucalyptus nitens; Sequoia sempervirens; Podocarpus totara; and Leptospermum scoparium. Data to build machine learning models were extracted and combined from three national level databases, and included stand variables, information about sites and climate features. The random forest models were able to predict tree DBH with high precision for the five-tree species (R2 > 0.72 and root-mean-square error ranged from 2.79–11.42 cm). Furthermore, the random forest models were interpretable and allowed us to explore the effects of site, environmental and climate factors on forest growth. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to utilize machine learning approaches to model tree diameter of less common planted forest tree species in New Zealand. This approach can be used to forecast more precise forest growth and carbon sequestration to help us understand how different forest types and species are affected by the changing climate.
Revolutionary Ideals and International Aggression
Authors: Timmerman Matthew N
Published: September 2022

This article assesses the international conflict propensity of leaders that come to power through revolutions. I argue that when revolutions result in the overthrow of governments perceived as enabling the interference of outside powers in internal affairs, the leaders that assume office afterward are especially inclined to provoke international conflict. I code these revolutions as “external” and juxtapose them against “internal” revolutions motivated by domestic grievances rather than animus against foreign meddling. Regression analysis and survival analysis suggest that leaders assuming office following external revolutions are more prone to conflict than leaders that assume office through internal revolutions. To illustrate the relationship between external revolution and international aggression, the paper utilizes a case study to examine Iranian foreign policy under Ayatollah Khomeini.
A Step Forward: Functional Diversity and Emerging Themes of Slow-Speed Locomotion in Vertebrates
Authors: Gibb Alice C , Amplo Haley , Struble Mikayla , Kawano Sandy M
Published: September 2022

Synopsis

Walking can be broadly defined as a slow-speed movement produced when appendages interact with the ground to generate forward propulsion. Until recently, most studies of walking have focused on humans and a handful of domesticated vertebrates moving at a steady rate over highly simplified, static surfaces, which may bias our understanding of the unifying principles that underlie vertebrate locomotion. In the last few decades, studies have expanded to include a range of environmental contexts (e.g., uneven terrain, perturbations, deformable substrates) and greater phylogenetic breadth (e.g., non-domesticated species, small and/or ectothermic tetrapods and fishes); these studies have revealed that even a gait as superficially simple as walking is far more complex than previously thought. In addition, technological advances and accessibility of imaging systems and computational power have recently expanded our capabilities to test hypotheses about the locomotor movements of extant and extinct organisms in silico. In this symposium, scientists showcased diverse taxa (from extant fishes to extinct dinosaurs) moving through a range of variable conditions (speed perturbations, inclines, and deformable substrates) to address the causes and consequences of functional diversity in locomotor systems and discuss nascent research areas and techniques. From the symposium contributions, several themes emerged: (1) slow-speed, appendage-based movements in fishes are best described as walking-like movements rather than true walking gaits, (2) environmental variation (e.g., deformable substrates) and dynamic stimuli (e.g., perturbations) trigger kinematic and neuromuscular changes in animals that make defining a single gait or the transition between gaits more complicated than originally thought, and (3) computational advances have increased the ability to process large data sets, emulate the 3D motions of extant and extinct taxa, and even model species interactions in ancient ecosystems. Although this symposium allowed us to make great strides forward in our understanding of vertebrate walking, much ground remains to be covered. First, there is a much greater range of vertebrate appendage-based locomotor behaviors than has been previously recognized and existing terminology fails to accurately capture and describe this diversity. Second, despite recent efforts, the mechanisms that vertebrates use to modify locomotor behaviors in response to predictable and unpredictable locomotor challenges are still poorly understood. Third, while computer-based models and simulations facilitate a greater understanding of the kinetics and kinematics of movement in both extant and extinct animals, a universal, one-size-fits-all, predictive model of appendage-based movement in vertebrates remains elusive.
Debt-GDP cycles in historical perspective: the case of the USA (1889–2014)
Authors: Stockhammer Engelbert , Gouzoulis Giorgos
Published: September 2022

Since the Global Financial Crisis, interest in financial cycles has risen significantly. While much of modern macroeconomics conceives financial crises as the results of exogenous shocks, Minsky’s financial instability hypothesis posits that financial cycles are endogenous to the economic system. The main contribution of this paper is to use historical macroeconomic data for the United States (1889–2014) to econometrically test for endogenous Minsky cycles: the interaction of procyclical private debt-to-income ratios and a dampening effect of private debt on economic activity. We analyze corporate debt-gross domestic product (GDP) growth cycles, which feature in Minsky’s original writings, and mortgage debt-GDP growth cycles as in some recent Minsky-inspired models. We find robust evidence of endogenous corporate debt-GDP cycles over the last 125 years. These results are driven by the pre-World War II (WWII), and post-1973 periods, which had a more liberal economic policy orientation. We find no evidence of mortgage debt-GDP cycles.
Ceasefire Violations: Why They Occur and How They Relate to Strategic Decision-Making Processes
Authors: Sticher Valerie
Published: September 2022

Almost all ceasefires experience violations, yet we know little about how such violations relate to the military and political aspirations of conflict parties. This article builds on ceasefire and bargaining literature to understand why ceasefire violations occur and how they relate to strategic decision-making processes. Building on these theoretical insights, it proposes a typology of four main types of ceasefire violations: strategic violations serve to strengthen the military advantage of a conflict party, retaliatory violations seek to ensure ceasefire compliance, spoiling violations aim to undermine the efforts of leaders, and localized violations are delinked from strategic decision-making processes. A case study of a major ceasefire violation in the Bangsamoro peace process illustrates how we may use informal Bayesian reasoning to empirically distinguish between these different types of violations. Treating ceasefire violations as part of wider military and political processes enables us to better understand the causal conditions under which ceasefire violations occur and identify strategic interests of different actors to carry out these violations. This helps explain the varied responses to ceasefire violations and sharpens our understanding of how to address them.
Strain-to-strain variability among Staphylococcus aureus causing prosthetic joint infection drives heterogeneity in response to levofloxacin and rifampicin
Authors: Meléndez-Carmona María Ángeles , Mancheño-Losa Mikel , Ruiz-Sorribas Albert , Muñoz-Gallego Irene , Viedma Esther , Chaves Fernando , Van Bambeke Françoise , Lora-Tamayo Jaime
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Levofloxacin and rifampicin are the preferred treatment for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) caused by Staphylococcus aureus, especially when managed with implant retention (DAIR). However, a significant variability of success has been reported, which could be related to intrinsic characteristics of the microorganism. Our aim was to evaluate the variability in the anti-biofilm response to levofloxacin and rifampicin in a clinical collection of S. aureus.

Material and methods

Eleven levofloxacin- and rifampicin-susceptible S. aureus isolates causing PJI managed with DAIR were included. Levofloxacin, rifampicin and levofloxacin + rifampicin were tested in an in vitro static biofilm model in microtitre plates, where 48 h biofilms were challenged with antimicrobials during 24 h. Additionally, two genetically similar strains were tested in the CDC Biofilm Reactor, where 48 h biofilms were treated during 56 h. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by viable biofilm-embedded cells recount, and by crystal violet staining.

Results

All antimicrobial regimens showed significant anti-biofilm activity, but a notable scattering in the response was observed across all strains (inter-strain coefficient of variation for levofloxacin, rifampicin and levofloxacin + rifampicin of 22.8%, 35.8% and 34.5%, respectively). This variability was tempered with the combination regimen when tested in the biofilm reactor. No correlation was observed between the minimal biofilm eradicative concentration and the antimicrobial activity. Recurrent S. aureus isolates exhibited higher biofilm-forming ability compared with strains from resolved infections (7.6 log10 cfu/cm2±0.50 versus 9.0 log10 cfu±0.07).

Conclusions

Significant variability may be expected in response to levofloxacin and rifampicin among biofilm-embedded S. aureus. A response in the lower range, together with other factors of bad prognosis, could be responsible of treatment failure.
Computer clinical decision support that automates personalized clinical care: a challenging but needed healthcare delivery strategy
Authors: Morris Alan H , Horvat Christopher , Stagg Brian , Grainger David W , Lanspa Michael , Orme James , Clemmer Terry P , Weaver Lindell K , Thomas Frank O , Grissom Colin K , Hirshberg Ellie , East Thomas D , Wallace Carrie Jane , Young Michael P , Sittig Dean F , Suchyta Mary , Pearl James E , Pesenti Antinio , Bombino Michela , Beck Eduardo , Sward Katherine A , Weir Charlene , Phansalkar Shobha , Bernard Gordon R , Thompson B Taylor , Brower Roy , Truwit Jonathon , Steingrub Jay , Hiten R Duncan , Willson Douglas F , Zimmerman Jerry J , Nadkarni Vinay , Randolph Adrienne G , Curley Martha A Q , Newth Christopher J L , Lacroix Jacques , Agus Michael S D , Lee Kang Hoe , deBoisblanc Bennett P , Moore Frederick Alan , Evans R Scott , Sorenson Dean K , Wong Anthony , Boland Michael V , Dere Willard H , Crandall Alan , Facelli Julio , Huff Stanley M , Haug Peter J , Pielmeier Ulrike , Rees Stephen E , Karbing Dan S , Andreassen Steen , Fan Eddy , Goldring Roberta M , Berger Kenneth I , Oppenheimer Beno W , Ely E Wesley , Pickering Brian W , Schoenfeld David A , Tocino Irena , Gonnering Russell S , Pronovost Peter J , Savitz Lucy A , Dreyfuss Didier , Slutsky Arthur S , Crapo James D , Pinsky Michael R , James Brent , Berwick Donald M
Published: September 2022

How to deliver best care in various clinical settings remains a vexing problem. All pertinent healthcare-related questions have not, cannot, and will not be addressable with costly time- and resource-consuming controlled clinical trials. At present, evidence-based guidelines can address only a small fraction of the types of care that clinicians deliver. Furthermore, underserved areas rarely can access state-of-the-art evidence-based guidelines in real-time, and often lack the wherewithal to implement advanced guidelines. Care providers in such settings frequently do not have sufficient training to undertake advanced guideline implementation. Nevertheless, in advanced modern healthcare delivery environments, use of eActions (validated clinical decision support systems) could help overcome the cognitive limitations of overburdened clinicians. Widespread use of eActions will require surmounting current healthcare technical and cultural barriers and installing clinical evidence/data curation systems. The authors expect that increased numbers of evidence-based guidelines will result from future comparative effectiveness clinical research carried out during routine healthcare delivery within learning healthcare systems.
Comparisons of five least-squares adaptive matched filtering methods in multiple suppression
Authors: Wang Zhong-Sheng , Li Yong-Xin , Su Wu-Que , Li Zhong-Sheng , Zhang Ji-Feng
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we comprehensively compare the application effects of five least-squares adaptive matched filtering methods (the single-channel, the multichannel, the equipoise multichannel, the pseudo multichannel and the equipoise pseudo multichannel) for multiple suppression in three representative datasets with different degrees of orthogonality. By introducing an error function, we can quantitatively analyse the influence of the five methods for multiple suppression in terms of the filter length, the normalized regularization factor, the number of matched channels, the iteration number, the amplitude ratio and noise immunity. In addition, we provide the corresponding optimal parameters or their selection principles. The comparison results show that: (i) the dependence on orthogonality is not the same for these five methods; only the equipoise multichannel and the equipoise pseudo multichannel methods can effectively reduce the dependence on orthogonality; (ii) the single-channel method is relatively balanced in all aspects; (iii) the pseudo multichannel and the equipoise pseudo multichannel methods have a stronger shaping ability but generate larger errors; (iv) the multichannel method requires a higher degree of orthogonality and (v) the optimal parameters derived from the three datasets will be better reference values for complex models or field data for the multiple suppression.
Method for assessing the three-dimensional density structure based on gravity gradient inversion and gravity gradient curvature
Authors: Tian Yu , He Huiyou , Ye Qing , Wang Yong
Published: September 2022

Compared with gravity data, gravity gradient data can reflect the structural features of density anomalies with higher sensitivity and resolution. Gravity gradient inversion is a common method for interpreting gravity gradient data, but the non-uniqueness of gravity gradient inversion solutions makes it difficult to quickly determine the effectiveness and reliability of the inversion results. To solve this problem, this paper combines the gravity gradient inversion and gravity gradient curvature methods and applies them to different sets of synthetic models. The gravity gradient inversion results are useful primarily for determining the spatial distributions and physical properties of density anomalies, while the gravity gradient curvature results have a prominent advantage in judging the geometric features of the density anomalies. In addition, one form of gravity gradient curvature, the contour lines of the shape index, can be compared with the top view of the inversion results to rapidly confirm the distribution of density anomalies, which is especially valuable for unexplored regions. On the basis of the respective advantages and features of these two methods, the gravity gradient curvature can be used as an important criterion to judge the results of gravity gradient inversion. The two methods are then combined to analyse airborne gravity gradient data measured in the field at the Kauring Test Site in Australia. Compared with the findings of previous gravity inversion research, this study shows that several anomalous blocks exist in the vicinity of the central anomalies, thereby demonstrating that the combination of these two methods is effective and reliable in identifying density anomalies.
Identification and Management of Cydalima perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in North America
Authors: Coyle David R , Adams Jamielee , Bullas-Appleton Erin , Llewellyn Jennifer , Rimmer Alexander , Skvarla Michael J , Smith Sandy M , Chong Juang-Horng
Published: September 2022

Boxwood (Buxus spp.) is one of the most commonly planted shrubs in urban landscapes across North America, and in Europe Buxus species comprise a significant portion of the forest understory. Cydalima perspectalis (colloquially known as the box tree moth) is a defoliator capable of causing mortality-inducing damage on boxwood in both natural and managed settings. Native to Asia, C. perspectalis is now established in both Europe and Canada and has been detected multiple times in the U.S. Here we review the life cycle and potential impact of C. perspectalis in Canada and the U.S. We discuss effective integrated management strategies and provide areas where management and detection could be improved. Rigorous detection systems will be crucial to preventing the establishment and future management of C. perspectalis in North America.
Taxonomic revision of maned sloths, subgenusBradypus(Scaeopus), Pilosa, Bradypodidae, with revalidation ofBradypus crinitusGray, 1850
Authors: Miranda Flavia R , Garbino Guilherme S T , Machado Fabio A , Perini Fernando A , Santos Fabricio R , Casali Daniel M
Published: September 2022

We present a taxonomic revision of maned sloths, subgenus Bradypus (Scaeopus), a taxon endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and currently composed of a single species, the vulnerable Bradypus torquatus. Our review is based on coalescent species delimitation analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, morphological analyses, and field observations. Our integrative approach demonstrates that two species of maned sloth can be recognized: the northern maned sloth (Bradypus torquatusIlliger, 1811) occurring in the Brazilian states of Bahia and Sergipe, and the southern maned sloth (Bradypus crinitusGray, 1850), occurring in Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo states. The two species diverged in the Early Pliocene and are allopatrically distributed. We discuss the biogeographic pattern of the two maned sloth species, comparing it with other Atlantic Forest mammals. We also suggest that the conservation status of both maned sloths needs to be reassessed after this taxonomic rearrangement.
Resurrection of the genus Subulo for the gray brocket deer, with designation of a neotype
Authors: Bernegossi Agda Maria , Borges Carolina Heloisa de Souza , Sandoval Eluzai Dinai Pinto , Cartes José Luis , Cernohorska Halina , Kubickova Svatava , Vozdova Miluse , Caparroz Renato , González Susana , Duarte José Maurício Barbanti
Published: September 2022

The gray brocket deer, Mazama gouazoubiraG. Fischer, 1814, occurs in South America and presents an extensive degree of morphological and genetic variability. Previous phylogenetic research showed that the genus Mazama is polyphyletic and imposed the designation of a different genus-group name for M. gouazoubira. We aimed to review and clarify the taxonomy of M. gouazoubira through the proposal of updating the nomenclature for this taxon and by the characterization of specimens collected close to the original type locality (topotypes). The topotypes were characterized by morphological (general characterization and morphometry), cytogenetic (conventional staining, Ag-NOR, G- and C-banding, and fluorescence in situ hybridization), and phylogenetic (mitogenomes) approaches. We revealed chromosome homologies between cattle and M. gouazoubira using an entire set of cattle whole chromosome painting probes and propose an updated G-band idiogram for the species. The morphometric analysis did not discriminate the individuals of M. gouazoubira, including the topotypes, from other small brocket deer species. However, the phylogenetic analysis, based on a Bayesian inference tree of the mitogenomes, confirmed the polyphyly of the genus Mazama and supported the need to change the gray brocket deer genus-group name. Based on our revision, we validated the genus SubuloSmith, 1827, and fixed a type species for the genus. In the absence of the holotype, we denominated a neotype described by the collection of a male topotype in Paraguay. The nomenclature rearrangement presented here is a starting point that will assist in the taxonomic resolution of Neotropical deer.
Pediatric COVID-19 Health Disparities and Vaccine Equity
Authors: Oliveira Carlos R , Feemster Kristen A , Ulloa Erlinda R
Published: September 2022

While most children with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) experience mild illness, some are vulnerable to severe disease and develop long-term complications. Children with disabilities, those from lower-income homes, and those from racial and ethnic minority groups are more likely to be hospitalized and to have poor outcomes following an infection. For many of these same children, a wide range of social, economic, and environmental disadvantages have made it more difficult for them to access COVID-19 vaccines. Ensuring vaccine equity in children and decreasing health disparities promotes the common good and serves society as a whole. In this article, we discuss how the pandemic has exposed long-standing injustices in historically marginalized groups and provide a summary of the research describing the disparities associated with COVID-19 infection, severity, and vaccine uptake. Last, we outline several strategies for addressing some of the issues that can give rise to vaccine inequity in the pediatric population.
The role of invasive plant species in drought resilience in agriculture: the case of sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa L.)
Authors: Hura Tomasz , Hura Katarzyna , Ostrowska Agnieszka , Gadzinowska Joanna , Urban Karolina , Pawłowska Bożena
Published: September 2022

Sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa) belongs to the group of wild roses. Under natural conditions it grows throughout Europe, and was introduced also into the southern hemisphere, where it has efficiently adapted to dry lands. This review focuses on the high adaptation potential of sweet briar to soil drought in the context of global climatic changes, especially considering steppe formation and desertification of agricultural, orchard, and horticultural areas. We provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on sweet briar traits associated with drought tolerance and particularly water use efficiency, sugar accumulation, accumulation of CO2 in intercellular spaces, stomatal conductance, gibberellin level, effective electron transport between photosystem II and photosystem I, and protein content. We discuss the genetics and potential applications in plant breeding and suggest future directions of study concerning invasive populations of R. rubiginosa. Finally, we point out that sweet briar can provide new genes for breeding in the context of depleting gene pools of the crop plants.
Elucidation of the interactome of the sucrose transporter StSUT4: sucrose transport is connected to ethylene and calcium signalling
Authors: Garg Varsha , Reins Jana , Hackel Aleksandra , Kühn Christina
Published: September 2022

Sucrose transporters of the SUT4 clade show dual targeting to both the plasma membrane as well as to the vacuole. Previous investigations revealed a role for the potato sucrose transporter StSUT4 in flowering, tuberization, shade avoidance response, and ethylene production. Down-regulation of StSUT4 expression leads to early flowering, tuberization under long days, far-red light insensitivity, and reduced diurnal ethylene production. Sucrose export from leaves was increased and a phase-shift of soluble sugar accumulation in source leaves was observed, arguing for StSUT4 to be involved in the entrainment of the circadian clock. Here, we show that StSUT4, whose transcripts are highly unstable and tightly controlled at the post-transcriptional level, connects components of the ethylene and calcium signalling pathway. Elucidation of the StSUT4 interactome using the split ubiquitin system helped to prove direct physical interaction between the sucrose transporter and the ethylene receptor ETR2, as well as with the calcium binding potato calmodulin-1 (PCM1) protein, and a calcium-load activated calcium channel. The impact of calcium ions on transport activity and dual targeting of the transporter was investigated in detail. For this purpose, a reliable esculin-based transport assay was established for SUT4-like transporters. Site-directed mutagenesis helped to identify a diacidic motif within the seventh transmembrane spanning domain that is essential for sucrose transport activity and targeting, but not required for calcium-dependent inhibition. A link between sucrose, calcium and ethylene signalling has been previously postulated with respect to pollen tube growth, shade avoidance response, or entrainment of the circadian clock. Here, we provide experimental evidence for the direct interconnection of these signalling pathways at the molecular level by direct physical interaction of the main players.
Minor Cross-Matching in the Diagnosis of Pneumococcal Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in an 18-Month-Old Boy
Authors: Routray Suman Sudha , Tripathy Sukanta , Das Palash , Ray Gopal Krushna
Published: September 2022

In developing nations, limitations in diagnostic facilities act as a barrier for differentiation of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) based on the etiology. A sick-looking 18-month-old boy presented to our hospital in Bhubaneswar, India, with clinical signs and symptoms of left lobar pneumonia, abnormal hematological and renal parameters, no growth in blood culture, a negative direct antiglobulin test (DAT) result, and low complement levels. A rapid deterioration in his clinical condition necessitated intensive care support, blood transfusion, and renal replacement therapy (peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis). Because his health care team suspected atypical HUS, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was initiated as soon as possible. In the absence of a lectin panel, minor cross-matching confirmed T-antigen exposure. With a diagnosis of HUS induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae (sp-HUS), TPE was stopped immediately, and washed blood components were administered. Despite the aforementioned measures, the boy died of HUS on day 20 after presentation. This case emphasized the role of minor cross-matching in the detecting of polyagglutination in resolving the diagnostic dilemma of sp-HUS.
‘Blundering Brutuses’: Michael Field, Nonconformism, and The Politics of Social Purity
Authors: Murray Alex
Published: September 2022

This article explores the contexts of nonconformism and social purity that underpin Michael Field’s (Katharine Bradley and Edith Cooper) verse drama Brutus Ultor (1886). Based on new archival research, the article explores Bradley’s role in the Ladies National Association for the Repeal of the Contagious Diseases Act and argues that the play is a complex commentary on the social purity movement and, in particular, on W.T. Stead’s campaigning journalism. More broadly, the article argues for the importance of Michael Field’s nonconformist background in the development of their oeuvre.
Celestial Nonsense: George Macdonald’s Apophatic Play
Authors: Gabelman Daniel
Published: September 2022

This article seeks to expand the boundaries of literary nonsense to include more overtly theological writers like George MacDonald. According to most critics of nonsense, God and religion are ‘absolutely forbidden’ from the genre, but the reasons for this exclusion are never demonstrated and seem to be based on taste rather than evidence. After defining the key features of nonsense as play, paradox, and transgression, the article notes a surprising overlap between these features and the traditional characteristics of Western apophaticism. It then explores the structure and style of what G.K. Chesterton calls MacDonald’s ‘celestial nonsense’. With a focus on At the Back of the North Wind and frequent comparisons to other children’s fantasies (particularly Lewis Carroll’s Alice books), the article argues that MacDonald intuits the affinity between nonsense and apophaticism to develop his seraphic style. This style is unashamedly ‘childlike’, a paradoxical and embarrassing blend of silly gravity and solemn levity. The conclusion then gestures to how others (Elizabeth Sewell, Chesterton, Christina Rossetti, J.R.R. Tolkien) might also be profitably considered writers of ‘celestial nonsense’.
P027 Early warning bells: emergence of fluconazole resistance in Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Ajapuje Preeti
Published: September 2022

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Preeti S. Ajapuje1, Parikshit S. Prayag1, Bharat D. Purandare1, Sampada A. Patwardhan2, Shweta P. Panchakshari1, Rajeev N. Soman1

Department of Infectious Diseases, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune

2Department of Microbiology, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune

Objectives

To study the susceptibility patterns in blood isolates of Candida parapsilosis at a tertiary care center.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of nine cases of candidemia due to C. Parapsilosis over a period of 1 year. Data were collected using the hospital’s electronic health records. Species identification was done using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) (Bruker Biotyper Sirius-Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany). Antifungal susceptibility was performed by broth microdilution method using Sensititre™ YeastOne™ YO1O AST Plates (Thermofisher Scientific, USA).

Results

All patients with C. parapsilosis bloodstream infection had central venous access and all patients had received broad-spectrum antibiotics at the time of developing candidemia. Four patients developed C. parapsilosis candidemia in the post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) setting. Out of the 9 isolates, 7 (77.7%) were resistant to fluconazole, 2 were resistant to voriconazole and posaconazole, and 1 isolate was resistant to amphotericin. A total of 4/9 patients were started on fluconazole prior to antifungal susceptibility testing; 3 of these needed to be switched to an echinocandin due to fluconazole resistance.

Conclusion

Fluconazole resistance in this study was seen in 7/9 (77.7%) isolates which is more than what has been previously described for C. parapsilosis. This makes fluconazole a poor choice for the treatment of C. parapsilosis in our institute. These findings may have an implication in the selection or de-escalation of antifungal treatment for C. parapsilosis.
P032 Efficacy of novel azole compounds (ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2) against Candida albicans in a murine model of invasive Candidiasis
Authors: Badali Hamid , Fakhim Hamed , Vaezi Afsane , Emami Saeed , Nasiry Davood , Hashemi Seyedeh Mahdieh
Published: September 2022

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

 

Objectives

Candida albicans is the most common cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections and are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. However, limited therapeutic approaches against invasive candidiasis are available. The rise in antifungal resistance highlights the urgent need to develop new therapeutic options and novel treatment strategies to combat later infections. A novel compound Aryl-1, 2, 4-triazol-3- ylthio, fluconazole alcohol-derived analogs (ATTAFs), has newly developed with potent in vitro activity against Candida species, including fluconazole-resistant isolates. The objective of this study was to further evaluate the in vivo effectiveness in a murine model of invasive candidiasis due to C. albicans.

Methods

Treatment with ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2 significantly increased the survival of infected mice compared to the control group (5% DMSO plus inoculum).

Results

The antifungal action of ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2 and their median survival time provided no evidence of a difference versus fluconazole. Although there was an obvious fungal load (mean log CFU/g of tissue) decrease by ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2 in the kidney, spleen, and liver of the treated mice in comparison with the control group and not similar to each other in regard of the dose, fluconazole showed a significant decrease in the number of fungal loads, similar to the group treated with ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2. Nevertheless, the results of this study indicate that the use of ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2 as a therapeutic agent can exert significant in vitro and in vivo antifungal effects against C. albicans, increasing animal survival and significantly decreasing fungal loads.

Conclusion

Although we have identified two new compounds, ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2, as novel promising Candidates for the treatment of Candida infection, more studies of ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2 activity and their action mechanisms in animal models are warranted to enhance our understanding and establish their efficacy.
P036 Epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility profile of infections caused by Fusarium species
Authors: Capoor Malini R , Kashyap Sanchi , Gupta Ankit , Ramesh V
Published: September 2022

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

 

Aim

This study was performed to evaluate the clinical, epidemiological, and antifungal susceptibility profile of Fusarium species from clinical cases.

Methods

This study was conducted over a period of 14 years in a tertiary hospital in North India, 84 clinical isolates of Fusarium species isolated from various clinical samples like corneal scrapings, nail, tissue, and blood. The isolates were characterized phenotypically, and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution method as per document CLSI M38-A3.

Results

On phenotypic identification, 69.04% were Fusarium solani sensu stricto, followed by Fusarium oxysporum (22.61%), Fusarium dimerum (8.33%) and Fusarium incarnatum (1.19%). The infection spectrum of Fusarium spp. was onychomycosis (54.76%), keratomycosis (19.04%), fusariosis (15.47%), white grain mycetoma (3.57%), burn wound infection (3.57%), hyalohyphomycosis (3.57%). In all 92.85% isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B (0.125-1 μg/ml). For voriconazole, 70.23% strains had MIC ranging between 0.5-1 μg/ml, while 29.76% had MIC >4 μg/ml. High MICs were found to itraconazole (>16 μg/ml), caspofungin (>16 μg/ml) and fluconazole (>64 μg/ml).

Conclusion

Fusarium solani is the most common species isolated. Fusarium spp. causes a broad spectrum of infections in humans including superficial, locally invasive, and disseminated infections. The clinical form of Fusarium species infections depends largely on the immune status of the host and the portal of entry of pathogen. Antifungal susceptibility testing is recommended owing to the variable susceptibility pattern of Fusarium spp. Large-scale studies are required to know the exact epidemiological, clinical factors, and antifungal susceptibility patterns of Fusarium infections.
P043 Amphotericin B in pediatrics: analysis by age stratification suggests a greater chance of adverse events from 13-month of age onward
Authors: Cavassin Francelise Bridi , Baú-Carneiro João Luiz , de Araújo Motta Fabio , Ville Ana Paula Matzenbacher , Staszczak Leticia , de Queiroz-Telles Flavio
Published: September 2022

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

 

Background

Deoxycholate amphotericin B (D-AMB) remains an antifungal of great therapeutic value in pediatrics. It is generally accepted that its use in neonates is safer than in older children. However, childhood presents different periods of development which deserves to be evaluated more precisely. Our goal was to assess the usage profile of D-AMB in stratified pediatric age groups, adapted according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) classification.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional observational study at a Brazilian tertiary children's hospital. Nonparametric tests were applied, such as the chi-square test to compare proportions and Fisher's exact test to assess the association between categorical variables or in contingency tables.

Results

A total of 127 medical records were stratified as preterm neonatal (birth <37 weeks postmenstrual age), term neonatal (birth 27 days), infants (28 days-12 months), toddler (13 months-2 years), early childhood (3-5 years), middle childhood (6-11 years) and early adolescence (12-18 years). Very few acute infusion-related side effects were observed during administration of D-AMB in pediatrics. We found an unfavorable impact of D-AMB from 13 months onward, suggesting this group as a turning point for a greater chance of adverse events, and not soon after the neonatal period as is conventionally known (Fig. 1).

Conclusions

Clinical or observational studies based on age stratification are essential to precisely elucidate whether drugs with toxicity potential can be used safely in the pediatric population. Searching for a turning point has been shown to contribute to the accuracy of the study, while providing more substantial information on the impact of D-AMB on different pediatric age groups.
P045 The association of performance of air pollutants on Candida drug resistance
Authors: Ghazanfari Sahar , mohammadi Shahla Roudbar , Rezaei Sasan
Published: September 2022

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

 

Objective

Therapeutic methods are very important in the prevalence of opportunistic fungal infections, which are among the main causes of human diseases. In this study, air pollution agents that are in direct contact with microorganisms and as a carbon source using CO2 and MTBE and their effects on aspects such as growth and particularly the evaluation of changes in the expression of interfering genes in susceptibility and drug resistance in these fungi were investigated.

Materials and Methods

Collecting samples and isolating Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) with phenotypic methods were accomplished. In this way, evaluating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) with M27A4 protocol of CLSI was done. Adjusting to sensitive strains from the MIC test, which included 20 C. albicans and 10 C. glabrata which were sensitive to fluconazole and itraconazole drugs with 5% CO2 and 5 mg/ml MTBE interfering agents that are considered as air pollutants and also re-evaluating MIC testing to separate strains resistant to azole drug were accomplished.

Results

Up-regulation of some genes on two mentioned yeast had led to drug resistance in them, which were previously sensitive to both drugs. Correspondingly, 41% of C. glabrata samples in sputum showed sensitivity to these drugs. Up-regulation of ERG11(71%) and EPA1 (90%) were observed in resistant strains. Up regulation of genes associated with aspartate proteins and down regulation of SAP3 genes were recognized in C. glabrata in sputum and a 15% down-regulation of BAL isolate and 50% up-regulation of SAP1 gene in C. albicans sensitive samples were observed and compared with fluconazole and itraconazole with oral and joint source. Remarkably, decreased SAP2 expression in oral sources and 60% increase in resistant strains in C. albicans was observed. The down-regulation of SAP3 expression showed in the joint samples. An increase in HWP1expression (30%) was noted in isolated and drug-sensitive samples at the sputum and BAL source. CDR1 expression was increased in MTBE-affected species however, it decreased in the vicinity of CT.

Conclusion

Air pollutants such as CO2 and MTBE eventually caused drug resistance in Candida, which can be one of the causes of drug resistance in candidiasis infections.