bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A metabologenomics approach reveals the unexplored biosynthetic potential of bacteria isolated from an Amazon Conservation Unit
Authors: de Oliveira Ana Carolina Favacho Miranda , Vieira Bruna Domingues , de Felício Rafael , Silva Lucas da Silva e , Veras Adonney Allan de Oliveira , Graças Diego Assis das , Silva Artur , Azevedo Baraúna Rafael , Barretto Barbosa Trivella Daniela , Schneider Maria Paula Cruz 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

The Amazon, an important biodiversity hotspot, remains poorly explored in terms of its microbial diversity and biotechnological potential. The present study characterized the metabolic potential of Gram-positive strains of the Actinomycetes and Bacilli classes isolated from soil samples of an Amazon Conservation Unit. The sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene classified the strains ACT015, ACT016, and FIR094 within the genera
Streptomyces
,
Rhodococcus
, and
Brevibacillus
, respectively. Genome mining identified 33, 17, and 14 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in these strains, including pathways for the biosynthesis of antibiotic and antitumor agents. Additionally, 40 BGCs (62,5% of the total BGCs) were related to unknown metabolites. The OSMAC approach and untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed a plethora of metabolites under laboratory conditions, underscoring the untapped chemical diversity and biotechnological potential of these isolates. Our findings illustrated the efficacy of the metabologenomics approach in elucidating secondary metabolism and selecting BGCs with chemical novelty.

IMPORTANCE
The largest rainforest in the world is globally recognized for its biodiversity. However, until now, few studies have been conducted to prospect natural products from the Amazon microbiome. In this work, we isolated three free-living bacterial species from the microbiome of pristine soils and used two high-throughput technologies to reveal the vast unexplored repertoire of secondary metabolites produced by these microorganisms.
Evaluation of the double-zone hemolysis (DZH) test for the detection of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Latorre-Fernández Javier , Aspiroz Carmen , Abdullahi Idris Nasir , Campaña-Burguet Allelen , Eguizábal Paula , González-Azcona Carmen , Tenorio Carmen , Zarazaga Myriam , Shittu Adebayo O. , Lozano Carmen , Torres Carmen 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(LA-MRSA), such as clonal-complex (CC)398, are of clinical relevance due to their multi-drug resistance profiles, adding to the overall burden of MRSA in humans. The objective was to evaluate the double-zone hemolysis (DZH) test as a simple and reliable method for detecting LA-MRSA in the clinical microbiology laboratory.
S. aureus
isolates assigned to CC398 (
n
= 183; 152 MRSA/31 methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
[MSSA]), CC1 (
n
= 44; MRSA), and other CCs (
n
= 144; 94 MRSA/50 MSSA) were investigated. These isolates were screened for DZH on sheep blood agar plates after incubation at 37°C for 24 h. Identification of the
scn
(human adaptation marker) and
hlb
genes (encoding hemolysin, intact or truncated) was performed by PCR. The positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), sensitivity (SS), and specificity (SP) of the DZH test were determined. The DZH-positive phenotype was observed in 94.7%, 25%, and 6.4% of MRSA-CC398, MRSA-CC1, and MRSA of other lineages, respectively. Moreover, the DZH-positive phenotype was identified in 9.7% of MSSA-CC398 isolates but not in other MSSA lineages. All 164 DZH-positive isolates carried
hlb
intact, and 99.4% was
scn
negative, suggesting an animal origin. Of the 207 DZH-negative isolates, 99.5% was
scn
positive (indicating human adaptation), and 95.2% possessed a truncated
hlb
gene. The PPV/NPV/SS/SP values (in %) of the DZH test were as follows: detection of (i) LA-MRSA-CC398: (87.8/96.1/94.7/90.9); (ii) LA-MRSA-CC398/CC1
scn
negative: (94.5/100/100/95.8); and (iii)
S. aureus scn
negative: (99.4/99.5/99.4/99.5). The DZH is a reliable strategy to detect and distinguish LA-MRSA in the clinical microbiology laboratory and is recommended as an adjunct diagnostic test.

IMPORTANCE

This study evaluated a simple and reliable phenotypic test that can be very useful in the clinical microbiology laboratory to detect livestock-associated (LA) methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) isolates and
S. aureus
of potential animal origin. The proposed double-zone hemolysis test has shown high positive and negative predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity to detect these LA-MRSA clones and
S. aureus
of potential animal origin. Most LA-MRSA clones exhibit resistance to different classes of antibiotics, with unique epidemiological characteristics, and their early detection has public health relevance and patient management.
The increasing burden of group B
Streptococcus
from 2013 to 2023: a retrospective cohort study in Beijing, China
Authors: Li Yingxing , Yang Wenhang , Li Yi , Hua Kexin , Zhao Ying , Wang Taie , Liu Lingli , Liu Yali , Wang Yao , Liu Wenjing , Zhang Li , Zhu Renyuan , Yu Shuying , Sun Hongli , Dou Hongtao , Yang Qiwen , Xu Yingchun , Guo Lina 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) is a leading pathogen responsible for fatal infections in newborns primarily due to vertical transmission from colonized mothers. Cases of invasive GBS infections in adults have also increased and attracted attention recently. To comprehensively understand the evolving burden of vaginal GBS carriage in pregnant and non-pregnant women, as well as the trends in invasive GBS diseases and antibiotic resistance in China, we conducted a retrospective study using data from a large tertiary hospital in Beijing from 2013 to 2023. Over the past decade, improvements in GBS screening methods for pregnant women have significantly increased the GBS recovery rate. The detection rate of GBS and its proportion among vaginal pathogens have shown a gradual increase in GBS colonization in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. An analysis of vaginal pathogen composition revealed variations in GBS prevalence across different age groups, as well as a potential competitive relationship between GBS and
Enterococcus faecalis
in the vaginal environment. Additionally, we analyzed 165 invasive GBS cases, including three in newborns. The incidence of invasive GBS cases has risen since 2016, particularly among individuals over the age of 40. The 5,858 GBS isolates exhibited notably high resistance rates to erythromycin (72.2%), clindamycin (60%), and levofloxacin (50.1%), with 30.8% classified as multidrug-resistant. Importantly, invasive GBS strains exhibited a higher resistance rate to levofloxacin (61.2%) compared to colonizing strains (49.8%). This study highlights the importance of continuous screening and monitoring for GBS, especially given the concerning antibiotic resistance rates of GBS.

IMPORTANCE

Group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) is an important pathogen that commonly causes infections in newborns and the elderly. This retrospective study provides a comprehensive analysis of GBS strains isolated from a large tertiary hospital in Beijing between 2013 and 2023, revealing an increasing colonization rate of GBS in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Analysis of vaginal pathogens indicates a growing proportion of GBS among vaginal pathogens. Additionally, the high resistance rates of GBS to erythromycin, clindamycin, and levofloxacin, as well as the prevalence of multidrug resistance, are issues that merit attention. We also examined the differences in resistance rates of GBS strains from various sample types, finding that the levofloxacin resistance rate in GBS strains causing invasive infections was significantly higher than in colonizing strains. This study provides new data and insights for clinical research on GBS.
Emission reduction strategies and health: a systematic review on the tools and methods to assess co-benefits
Authors: Abdala Sammila Andrade , Khomsi Kenza , Houdou Anass , El Marouani Ihssane , El Badisy Imad , Najmi Houda , Obtel Majdouline , Belyamani Lahcen , Ibrahimi Azeddine , Khalis Mohamed 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to review the current literature on the health co-benefits of emission reduction strategies and the methods and tools available to assess them.DesignSystematic review conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.Data sourcesPubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and GreenFILE were searched from January of 2017 to March of 2023.Eligibility criteriaWe included original, peer-reviewed journal articles that described emission (ambient air pollutant and greenhouse gases) reduction strategies and assessed their health co-benefits.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers employed standardised methods to search, screen and code the included studies, documenting their findings in an Excel spreadsheet.ResultsFrom 6687 articles, 82 were included. Most studies show that emissions reduction strategies improve air quality, reducing mortality and morbidity. Health risk assessment and health impact assessment are common, though procedures may cause confusion. About 33% used established models like the integrated exposure-response and global exposure mortality model. Out of all studies, 16% of them used Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program—Community Edition. Only 17.8% carried out cost–benefit analyses, but these show economic worth in investing in emission reduction strategies.ConclusionsEmission reduction strategies significantly enhance human health, with potential co-benefits offsetting intervention costs, which can be an incentive for action in low and middle-income countries. This review emphasises investing in cost–benefit analyses and research, particularly in regions with limited studies on emission reduction and health co-benefits. It provides decision-makers insights into selecting assessment methods and underscores the ongoing need for model and tool evaluation.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022332480.
Determinants of traditional birth attendant utilisation among reproductive age women in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis of the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Tilahun Befkad Derese , Ayele Mulat , Alamaw Addis Wondmagegn , Lake Eyob Shitie , Abate Biruk Beletew , Yilak Gizachew , Bizuayehu Molla Azmeraw , Zemariam Alemu Birara , Kitaw Tegene Atamenta 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesTo identify the determinants of traditional birth attendants’ utilisation among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia.DesignCross-sectional study design.SettingEthiopia.ParticipantsA total of 3979 weighted samples of reproductive-age women were included.Outcome measureTraditional birth attendant utilisation.ResultsThis study found a high prevalence (29.76%) of Ethiopian mothers using traditional birth attendants for delivery, based on data from the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. Mothers with higher education (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.11, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.62), who had four or more antenatal care visits (AOR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.54), communities with lower levels of education (AOR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.30 to 3.73), communities with higher poverty levels (AOR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.99 to 2.96) and those from peripheral regions (AOR=3.41, 95% CI: 1.77 to 6.56) were found to be predictors of traditional birth attendants.ConclusionThis study indicates a high prevalence (29.76%) of Ethiopian mothers using traditional birth attendants, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to promote skilled birth attendance. Policymakers should focus on implementing educational programmes targeting reproductive-age women and improving access to quality antenatal care. Specific initiatives could include community-based educational workshops and subsidies for transportation to healthcare facilities. Furthermore, mothers in remote and border districts should receive specialised attention in terms of resource allocation, including skilled personnel and enhanced healthcare access.
KindMap: an e-mental health tool to promote the well-being and mental health of people facing infertility—study protocol for a feasibility randomised control trial
Authors: Carolino Naír , Cunha Marina , Pinto-Gouveia José , Gameiro Sofia , Galhardo Ana 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionFertility patients increasingly use web-based and mobile-based apps to access psychosocial care. These digital tools may be a helpful alternative to traditional psychological interventions. Developing and evaluating patient-centred e-mental health tools rooted in evidence-based interventions is a priority. The KindMap is a stand-alone, cost-free e-mental health intervention derived from adapting the Mindfulness Based Programme for Infertility (MBPI) contents to a digital format. The KindMap integrates mindfulness and self-compassion skills training and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy components. This protocol is intended to evaluate the KindMap’s feasibility and explore the extent to which the web-app mode of delivery limited efficacy results are similar to the MBPI in-person format results. Furthermore, it will test the causal theory underlying KindMap.Methods and analysisA two-arm 2:1 non-blinded feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted. Participants are people dealing with infertility, who are able to access the Internet and understand Portuguese or English. Consent participants will complete an online survey at 3-time assessment moments. After baseline assessment, participants will be randomised into the KindMap experimental group (KindMap-EG; with immediate access to the web app) or the waiting-list control group. The primary outcome is well-being (WHO Index-5); secondary outcomes are infertility-related stress (Fertility Problem Inventory—Short Form), anxiety and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety-4); mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire—Short Form), self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale—Short Form), psychological flexibility (Psy-Flex) and infertility-related self-efficacy are the potential mechanisms of change. KindMap-EG will also complete a feasibility survey.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra (Identifier: CEDI/FPCEUC:78/R_10). The KindMap study may contribute to the existing research on e-health technologies applied to mental health. The study outcomes will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and national and international conference presentations.Trial registration numberNCT05899374.
Acceptance and the influencing factors towards intermittent self-catheterisation among patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in China: a multicentre cross-sectional study
Authors: Hao Fengming , Hu Yingjie , Luo Senying , Chen Ling , Wang Laifu , Wu Dan , Cai Wenzhi 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesThe psychological acceptance of intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) significantly impacts its initial adoption and long-term compliance among patients. However, our understanding of this acceptance remains limited. This study aims to investigate ISC’s psychological acceptance and identify influencing factors among neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) patients in China.DesignA cross-sectional study design.ParticipantsA total of 394 patients with NLUTD were recruited from 15 tertiary general hospitals in China.Outcome measureThe patients completed a comprehensive questionnaire that included demographic and clinical characteristics, along with study instruments such as the Intermittent Catheterization Acceptance Test (I-CAT), the Intermittent Catheterization Satisfaction Questionnaire (InCaSaQ), the Intermittent Catheterization Difficulty Questionnaire and the Intermittent Self-Catheterization Questionnaire (ISC-Q). Pearson’s correlation analysis explored interrelationships among questionnaire scores, while Spearman’s correlation assessed relationships between categorical independent variables and I-CAT scores. Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis identified key factors influencing psychological acceptance of ISC.ResultsNearly half of the participants (46.2%) reported psychological challenges in accepting ISC, and more than 50% of the participants exhibited fear and low self-esteem in their I-CAT questionnaire scores. The I-CAT scores were strongly correlated with ISC training (r=0.861), ISC follow-up (r=0.766) and psychological well-being (r=−0.774). Regression analysis identified significant factors influencing ISC acceptance, including urinary tract infections, types of catheters, ISC training, ISC follow-up, province, and scores on the ISC-Q and InCaSaQ questionnaires, which collectively explained 85.5% of the variance in acceptance rates (F=161.409).ConclusionsPsychological difficulties in accepting ISC are prevalent among NLUTD patients. Key factors that facilitate ISC acceptance include receiving ISC training, follow-up support and favourable ISC-Q scores. In contrast, barriers like the use of non-hydrophilic catheters present significant challenges. Notably, ISC acceptance varies significantly across different regions. Therefore, targeted strategies are recommended to enhance positive factors, reduce negative ones and consider regional disparities, thereby improving overall ISC acceptance.
What do parents, professionals and policy colleagues want from a universal assessment of child development in the early years? A qualitative study in England
Authors: Lysons Joanna L , Mendez Pineda Rocio , Aquino Maria Raisa Jessica , Cann Hannah , Fearon Pasco , Kendall Sally , Kirman Jennifer , Woodman Jenny 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveEvery child in England should be offered a health and development review at age 2–2½ years by the health visiting service, part of which includes an assessment of child development. The Department of Health and Social Care mandates the use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) at this review as a tool to collect population-level data on children’s early development for monitoring of trends and disparities. This tool also forms part of the practitioner’s assessment of the child’s early development. To inform policy and practice, the present study gathered the views and experiences of parents and health visiting professionals on key priorities for, and barriers to, a universal assessment of early child development at age 2–2½ years.Design, setting, participantsWe held 15 focus groups with 29 parents, 24 health visitors and nursery nurses, five service managers and five policy colleagues in England. Participants were asked to reflect on their experiences of, and priorities for, measuring child development at the 2–2½ year universal review.AnalysisWe analysed data using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.ResultsWe identified two overarching themes in the data. The first theme,‘just a part of the puzzle’: a useful tool in a holistic review,reflected a consistent priority—across all focus groups—for a measure of child development that was well embedded in the wider review, that facilitated conversations about the child and family system and allowed negotiation of parent and professional judgement of the child’s development and had a clear stated purpose. The second theme,‘they need to know why they’re doing it: a need for clarification’reflected the need for a clear purpose for, and less variable delivery of, the tool, including a need for clarification on its intended purpose to provide population-level data.ConclusionsParents and practitioners wanted a tool that facilitated a holistic conversation about development, well-being and health across the family system, with direct observation of the child by the professional. Used skilfully, the tool can constitute an intervention in itself, as it helps scaffold a conversation about how parents can support their child’s optimal growth and development. Consideration should be given to the experience of and support available to the practitioner using the tool within the health and developmental review.
Healthcare professionals’ perception of the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist and psychological safety: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Møller Kjestine Emilie , McLeskey Olivia Wisborg , Rosthøj Susanne , Trbovich Patricia , Grantcharov Teodor , Sorensen Jette Led , Strandbygaard Jeanett 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) is a cornerstone of ensuring the safety and accuracy of communication among interdisciplinary teams in the operating room. Central to the successful implementation of such a checklist is the concept of psychological safety. Despite the extensive body of research on the checklists’ efficacy, the association between healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perceptions of the checklist and their level of psychological safety remains uninvestigated. This study attempts to address this gap by examining how their perceptions of the checklist intersect with their sense of psychological safety.MethodsA cross-sectional survey comprising 25 items was conducted from November 2022 to January 2023 on; Demographics (6 items), the SSC (12 items), and the Psychological Safety Scale (7 items). We invited 125 HCPs from five different professional groups in the operation ward to complete the survey.ResultsOf the 125 asked to participate, 107 responded, and 100 of whom completed the entire survey. The level of psychological safety increased by 1.25 (95 % CI 0.36 to 2.14, p=0.006) per one-point increase of the perception that colleagues listen when checklist items are being reviewed, and increased by 1.1 (95% CI 0.4 to 1.7, p=0.002) per one-point increase in the perception that the checklist enhances interdisciplinary teamwork, and increased by 0.86 (95% CI 0.15 to 1.57, p=0.02) per one-point increase in the perception that the checklist provides structure in the operating room. Conversely, the level of psychological safety decreased by 1.4 (95 % CI 0.5 to 2.3, p=0.004) per one-point increase in the perception that the checklist is time-consuming.ConclusionOur findings reveal a significant association between psychological safety levels and perceptions of the SSC. Increased psychological safety was linked to more positive views on the checklist’s role in enhancing interdisciplinary teamwork, creating structure and attentiveness among colleagues. While seeing the checklist as time-consuming was associated with a lower psychological safety rating. These results suggest that psychological safety influences how individuals view and engage with patient safety measures like the checklist, highlighting the importance of fostering a supportive environment to optimise safety practice.