bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Lysine Monomethylome and Methyltransferase in Model Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Lin Xiaohuang , Yang Mingkun , Liu Xin , Cheng Zhongyi , Ge Feng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Protein lysine methylation is a prevalent post-translational modification (PTM) and plays critical roles in all domains of life. However, its extent and function in photosynthetic organisms are still largely unknown. Cyanobacteria are a large group of prokaryotes that carry out oxygenic photosynthesis and are applied extensively in studies of photosynthetic mechanisms and environmental adaptation. Here we integrated propionylation of monomethylated proteins, enrichment of the modified peptides, and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis to identify monomethylated proteins in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Synechocystis). Overall, we identified 376 monomethylation sites in 270 proteins, with numerous monomethylated proteins participating in photosynthesis and carbon metabolism. We subsequently demonstrated that CpcM, a previously identified asparagine methyltransferase in Synechocystis, could catalyze lysine monomethylation of the potential aspartate aminotransferase Sll0480 both in vivo and in vitro and regulate the enzyme activity of Sll0480. The loss of CpcM led to decreases in the maximum quantum yield in primary photosystem II (PSII) and the efficiency of energy transfer during the photosynthetic reaction in Synechocystis. We report the first lysine monomethylome in a photosynthetic organism and present a critical database for functional analyses of monomethylation in cyanobacteria. The large number of monomethylated proteins and the identification of CpcM as the lysine methyltransferase in cyanobacteria suggest that reversible methylation may influence the metabolic process and photosynthesis in both cyanobacteria and plants.
Creative Research as Story-Telling: An Indigenous visual culture course from the perspectives of a librarian, a professor and students
Authors: Munroe Howard , Payne Daniel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLocated on Treaty #13 (Toronto Purchase) territory, OCAD University offers an Indigenous Visual Culture (INVC) program that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or an interdisciplinary minor. The curriculum combines courses in the cultural, social and political history of Indigenous peoples, preparing students to engage in global discourses in contemporary art practice through a profound understanding of story-telling as the foundation of visual culture.A narrative framework is used to present an information literacy interaction with an INVC course from the perspectives of a librarian from the Canadian settler population and an assistant professor, who is a member of the Métis Indigenous nation. Research and evaluation models are presented; ones that emerged from traditional information literacy concepts informed and transformed by Indigenous knowledge systems. Finally, student learning outcomes from the course are presented through an exhibition of artworks and artist statements that display their visual story-telling skills.
Surgical Site Infection Trend Analysis Following Abdominal Hysterectomy, National Healthcare Safety Network, 2009–2018
Authors: Li Qunna , Soe Minn , Nkwata Allan , Russo Victoria , Dudeck Margaret , Edwards Jonathan 
Published: November 2020

Background: Surveillance data for surgical site infections (SSIs) following abdominal hysterectomy (HYST) have been reported to the CDC NHSN since 2005. Beginning in 2012, HYST SSI surveillance coverage expanded substantially as a result of a CMS mandatory reporting requirement as part of the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program. A trend analysis of HYST SSI using data submitted to the NHSN has not been previously reported. To estimate the overall trend of HYST SSI incidence rates, we analyzed data reported from acute-care hospitals with surgery performed between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2018. Methods: We analyzed inpatient adult HYST procedures with primary closure resulting deep incisional primary and organ-space SSIs detected during the same hospitalization or rehospitalization to the same hospital. SSIs reported as infection present at time of surgery (PATOS) were included in the analysis. Due to the surveillance definition changes for primary closure in 2013 and 2015, these were tested separately as interruptions to HYST SSI outcome using an interrupted time-series model with a mixed-effects logistic regression. Because the previously described changes were not significantly associated with changes in HYST SSI risk, mixed-effects logistic regression was used to estimate the annual change in the log odds of HYST SSI. The estimates were adjusted for the following covariates: hospital bed size, general anesthesia, scope, ASA score, wound classification, medical school affiliation type, procedure duration and age. Results: The number of hospitals and procedures reported to NHSN for HYST increased and then stabilized after 2012 (Table 1). The unadjusted annual SSI incidence rates ranged from 0.60% to 0.81%. Based on the model, we estimate a 2.58% decrease in the odds of having a HYST SSI annually after controlling for variables mentioned above (Table 2). Conclusions: The volume of hospitals and procedures for HYST reported to NHSN increased substantially because of the CMS reporting requirement implemented in 2012. The overall adjusted HYST SSI odds ratio decreased annually over 2009–2018, which indicates progress in preventing HYST SSIs.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
Toward a Change Among the Epidemiology of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in Catalonia
Authors: Gasch Oriol , Andrés Marta , Camara Jordi , Llobregat L’Hospitalet de , Domenech Dolors , Jimenez Emili , Llobregat L'Hospitalet de , Marrón Anna , Meije Yolanda , Pomar Virginia , Saliba Patrick , Calbo Esther 
Published: November 2020

Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are one of the most frequent causes of heathcare-associated infections and an important cause of preventable death. Central venous catheters (CVC) have been considered the most worrisome origin of CRBSI. Implemented preventive measures at most hospitals and published guidelines for the prevention of vascular catheter infections have focused mostly on CVCs. However, peripherally inserted venous catheters (PIVC)–related bloodstream infections have increased in recent years and are currently among the top 10 patient safety concerns for 2019. Objective: We describe the changes in the epidemiology of catheter-related bloodstream infections among acute-care hospitals reporting at the VINCat program (Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship Catalan Program) from 2008 to 2018. Methods: Data on 55 hospitals in Catalonia reporting all the episodes of CRBSI diagnosed according to standardized definitions during 2008–2018 were used for the analysis. Participating hospitals were classified into 3 groups according to size: group 1 (>500 beds), 9 hospitals; group 2 (500–200 beds), 17 hospitals; and group 3 (<200 beds), 29 hospitals. Catheters were classified in 3 categories: CVCs, PICVCs, and short peripheral venous catheters (PVCs). Rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) were obtained by adjusting the total number of episodes by 1,000 hospital stays. Simple linear regressions were performed. Values of P ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant. Results: During the study period, 8,221 nosocomial episodes of CRBSI were diagnosed among the 55 participating hospitals. In total, 37,587,967 hospital stays were counted. The CRBSI rate was 0.22 episodes per 1,000 hospital stays (group 1, 0.28; group 2, 0.15; and group 3, 0.16), following a downward trend from 2008 to 2018 from 0.28 to 0.21 per 1,000 hospital stays (P < .005). Among them, CVC-BSI showed a downward trend (from 610 annual episodes in 2008 to 312 in 2018), and PICVC and PVC showed an upward trend (from 51 and 120 annual episodes in 2008 to 130 and 312 in 2018, respectively). Annual rates of PICVCs and PVCs showed an upward trend, but CVCs showed a downward trend in 2018 (P < .05): 0.09 per 1,000 hospital stays for PICVCs; 0.07 per 1,000 hospital stays for PVCs, and 0.04 episodes per 1,000 hospital stays for CVCs (Fig. 1). Conclusions: PIVC-related bloodstream infections have increased in recent years, whereas bloodstream infections related to CVC have followed a downward trend. Our hospitals should implement preventive measures to specially address the prevention of PICVC infections.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
Decreasing Blood Culture Contamination Rates Using A Specimen Diversion Device: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Babiker Ahmed , Ramakrishnan Aditi , Howard-Anderson Jessica , Holdsworh Jill , Jacob Mini , Jacob Jesse 
Published: November 2020

Background: Blood culture contamination rates are frequently higher than the ≤3% standard in the emergency department (ED). Objective: We sought to determine whether the implementation of a blood diversion device that mechanically sequesters the initial aliquot of the blood culture sample decreased blood culture contamination rates. Methods: We performed a quasi-experimental study in two 500-bed hospitals. The blood-diversion device was implemented in the ED in hospital A, but not in hospital B, starting in January 2018. Preintervention data were collected over a 29-month baseline period, and postintervention data were collected for 20 months. Both hospitals provided ongoing feedback on contamination rates. Blood culture contamination was defined as presence of common skin microbiota (eg, coagulase-negative staphylococci) in only 1 of ≥2 blood culture sets collected within 24 hours. Preintervention and postintervention blood culture contamination rates were calculated based on total blood cultures collected and were compared within and between hospitals using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Changes in preintervention and postintervention total and ED contamination rates within hospitals were calculated as rate ratios (RRs) using interrupted time series (ITS) analysis with segmented Poisson regression. Results: Among 212,789 total blood cultures (hospital A, 70,005; hospital B, 142,784), 4,025 (1.8%) were contaminated. In hospital A, the intervention resulted in a decrease in overall median blood culture contamination rates (2.4% vs 1.4%; P < .001) and ED median blood culture contamination rates (4.7% vs 2.6%; P < .001), whereas in hospital B there was no significant change during the same period in overall (2.3% vs 2.0%) or ED (5.0% vs 5.0%) median blood culture contamination rates. In the ITS analysis, the intervention was associated with an immediate decrease in hospital A’s contamination rate by 21.3% (level change RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63–0.98; P = .04) overall and 21.0% (level change RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.62–1.0; P =.06) in the ED. After the intervention, there was a continued decrease in hospital A’s overall (trend change RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93–0.97; P < .001) and ED (trend RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92–0.96; P < .001) blood culture contamination rates, but not in hospital B’s overall (trend change RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00–1.02; P = .01) or ED (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99–1.02; P = .30) blood culture contamination rates during the same period. Conclusions: Implementation of the blood diversion device in the ED resulted in a >20% relative reduction from a baseline of 5% of ED blood culture contamination rates. Continued improvement after implementation suggests ongoing efforts to address the workflow and the culture of safety are needed to optimize the use of this device.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
Epidemiology of Positive Blood Cultures due to Multidrug-Resistant Organisms From an Academic Center and Community Hospitals
Authors: Boly Frances , Olsen Margaret , Stwalley Dustin , Burnham Jason , Kwon Jennie 
Published: November 2020

Background: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are a threat to public health. The objective of this study was to define risk factors and outcomes of patients with positive blood cultures due to MDROs in 2 rural community hospitals as compared to a tertiary-care academic center. Methods: Retrospective cohort study with IRB approval from 1 tertiary-care academic center and 2 rural community hospitals (Barnes-Jewish [BJH], Parkland Health Center, and Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital) from July 1, 2013, to August 1, 2018. Demographics, comorbidities, procedures, outcomes, and blood and urine culture data were collected from the BJH informatics database for hospitalized patients with positive blood cultures due to MDROs. MDROs were defined according to European and US CDC standards. Results: Of the patients with positive blood cultures growing organisms with the potential to be MDR, 1,065 (55%) blood cultures grew MDROs from the academic center and 157 (33%) grew MDROs from the 2 community hospitals (P < .0001). Among these, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (35% at BJH and 37% at community hospitals) and MDR Enterobacteriaceae (29% at BJH and 36% at community hospitals) were the most common organisms grown from blood cultures at all hospitals. Among patients with positive MDRO blood cultures, 60% were males and 69% were white, with a mean age of 58 years at BJH. At the community hospitals, 47% were male and 99% were white, with a mean age of 66 years. The most common comorbidity in patients with MDRO bacteremia at BJH was cancer, compared to diabetes at the community hospitals. At all hospitals, >33% of patients with MDRO bacteremia required an ICU stay. Also, 17% of patients with MDRO bacteremia at BJH died during hospitalization compared to 4% at the community hospitals. Among individuals with positive MDRO blood cultures, 9% had a matching isolate from a urine culture at BJH and 46% had a matching urine isolate at the community hospitals. Conclusions: At an academic medical center, the most common organisms identified in MRDO-positive blood cultures included MRSA, MDR Enterobacteriaceae, and VRE. However, at the community hospitals, MRSA, MDR Enterobacteriaceae, and ESBL Enterobacteriaceae were most common. Patients with a positive MDRO blood culture were more likely to have a matching isolate from urine culture at a community hospital compared to the academic center. Further research is needed regarding risk factors and interventions to prevent, detect, and treat MDRO infections.Funding: NoneDisclosures: Margaret A. Olsen reports consulting fees for contract research from Pfizer, Merck, and Sanofi Pasteur.
Inpatient and Discharge Fluoroquinolone Prescribing in Veterans’ Affairs Hospitals Between 2014 and 2017
Authors: Vaughn Valerie M. , Prescott Hallie C. , Seelye Sarah M. , Rubin Michael A. , Wang Xiao Q. , Wiitala Wyndy 
Published: November 2020

Background: Between 2007 and 2015, inpatient fluoroquinolone use declined in US Veterans’ Affairs (VA) hospitals. Whether fluoroquinolone use at discharge has also declined, in particular since antibiotic stewardship programs became mandated at VA hospitals in 2014, is unknown. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study of hospitalizations with infection between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017, at 125 VA hospitals, we assessed inpatient and discharge fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin) use as (1) proportion of hospitalizations with a fluoroquinolone prescribed and (2) fluoroquinolone days per 1,000 hospitalizations. After adjusting for illness severity, comorbidities, and age, we used multilevel logit and negative binomial models to assess for hospital-level variation and longitudinal prescribing trends. Results: Of 560,219 hospitalizations meeting inclusion criteria as hospitalizations with infection (Fig. 1), 209,602 of 560,219 (37.4%) had a fluoroquinolone prescribed either during hospitalization (182,337 of 560,219, 32.5%) or at discharge (110,003 of 560,219, 19.6%) (Fig. 1). Hospitals varied appreciably in inpatient, discharge, and total fluoroquinolone use, with 71% of hospitals in the highest prescribing quartile located in the southern United States. Nearly all measures of fluoroquinolone use decreased between 2014 and 2017, with the largest decreases found in inpatient fluoroquinolone and ciprofloxacin use (Fig. 2). In contrast, there was minimal decline in fluoroquinolone use at discharge (Fig. 2), which accounted for 1,433 of 2,339 (61.3%) of hospitalization-related fluoroquinolone days by 2017. Between 2014 and 2017, fluoroquinolone use decreased in VA hospitals, largely driven by a decrease in inpatient fluoroquinolone (especially ciprofloxacin) use. Fluoroquinolone prescribing at discharge, and levofloxacin prescribing overall, remain prime targets for stewardship.Funding: This work was funded by a locally initiated project grant from the Center for Clinical Management Research at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.Disclosures:Valerie M. Vaughn reports contract research for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the NIH, the SHEA, and the APIC. She also reports fees from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Speaker’s Bureau, the CDC, the Pew Research Trust, Sepsis Alliance, and The Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania.Disclaimer The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the US government.
Staphylococcal Decolonization to Prevent Surgical Site Infection: Is There a Role in colorectal surgery?
Authors: Raslan Rasha , Doll Michelle Elizabeth , Albert Heather , Shah Hirsh , Cooper Kaila , Godbout Emily , Stevens Michael , Bearman Gonzalo 
Published: November 2020

Background: Colorectal surgery is associated with a high risk of surgical site infections (SSIs), with an incidence ranging from 16.9% to 20%, and SSIs are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, prolonged length of hospitalization, and increased health care costs. Staphylococcal decolonization is an attempt to alter the microbiome to prevent staphylococcal and other skin flora from accessing the surgical site, and This practice effectively reduces SSIs in orthopedic, neurologic, and cardiac surgeries. A staphylococcal decolonization protocol was enacted in colorectal surgeries at our institution beginning in October 2016. We compared patient outcomes between patients who did and did not undergo preoperative staphylococcal decolonization. Methods: All patients undergoing nonemergent NHSN-defined colorectal procedures from July 2015 until June 2019 at a tertiary-care medical center were included in this retrospective study. Staphylococcal decolonization was performed using chlorhexidine 2% body wash solution, mupirocin nasal ointment, and chlorhexidine 0.12% oral rinse all twice daily for 5 days prior to surgery. All SSIs were defined by NSHN criteria. The primary outcome was SSI, and secondary outcomes were superficial wound infection (SIP) and organ-space infection (IAB). Predictive variables included decolonization status (yes or no), age, gender, body mass index, procedure duration, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, diabetes, smoking, and surgical oncology service. Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis with cefazolin and metronidazole OR cefoxitin, and chlorhexidine skin preparation were standard throughout the study period. Univariate analysis was performed using a χ2 or t test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to control for all clinically important variables above. All statistical analyses were done using SAS version 9.4 software (Cary, NC). Results: In total, 1,139 patients underwent nonemergent colorectal surgery from July 2015 to June 2019. There were 74 SSIs: 42 IABs and 32 SIPs. Decolonization was performed in 332 of 1,139 cases (29%). There was no difference in overall SSIs between those decolonized and not decolonized (P = .50). However, SIPs were reduced in the group receiving decolonization: 1.2% (4 of 332) versus 3.5% (28 of 807) (P = .04. When controlling for known SSI risk factors, those not receiving decolonization remained at increased risk of SIPs (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.14–12.61; P = .03. Conclusions: Staphylococcal decolonization may prevent a subset of SSIs in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.Funding: NoneDisclosures: Michelle Doll reports a research Grant from Molnlycke Healthcare.
The Importance of Environmental Screening in a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Outbreak Investigation in a Transplant Unit
Authors: Sim Xiang Ying Jean , Ling Moi Lin , Venkatachalam Indumathi 
Published: November 2020

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization conveys a higher risk of invasive infection. The transplant cohort is a group of immunocompromised patients who are at higher risk of infection. We conducted an outbreak investigation of hospital-acquired MRSA colonization within the transplant unit, which led to the discovery of positive isolates within our environment and to changes in our hospital disinfection policies. Methods: Our transplant unit consists of 8 single, positive-pressure rooms housed separately at the side of a larger ward. Staffing from this unit differs from the rest of the shared ward that houses up to 60 patients. As part of hospital screening, we found that a patient admitted for a stem-cell transplant had acquired nosocomial MRSA colonization. Given the unusual occurrence of such an event, a root-cause analysis was conducted. Results: A meeting was convened together with nursing, medical staff, and ancillary staff. Identified areas of potential transmission were deemed equipment, staff, and patients, and screening was performed. Shared equipment included the portable electrocardiogram (ECG) machines and portable x-ray machines and boards. In particular, ECG machines were shared with the adjoining nontransplant oncology ward. The usual practice was to clean the machine after use but not prior to the next use. This was deemed a possible exposure risk in view of a recent MRSA outbreak in a separate section of the ward. Positive isolates were found on both the x-ray and ECG machines. All healthcare workers were screened and were negative for MRSA. Furthermore, 7 patients admitted during the same time period were also screened for MRSA and were negative. Given the concurrent outbreak within the ward, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was performed for all MRSA isolates obtained and the outbreak strain. These were found to be nonclonal (Table 1). Work processes for both the cleaning of ECG and x-ray machines were enhanced and modified. Hand hygiene measures to ward and radiology staff were reinforced. Thus far, no further cases have been detected. Conclusions: The environment is an important part of outbreak investigation. Shared equipment is often overlooked during day to day processes but should not be neglected. This can result in changes to hospital disinfection policy.Funding: NoneDisclosures: Indumathi Venkatachalam reports receiving honoraria for speaking engagements for bioMérieux and Pfizer and serving on an expert panel for MSD Pharma.